Location: School
I've been on blogging hiatus for quite some time. Maybe it was the article I read about saying that blogging is going out of fashion, or maybe it's everything else in my life. Maybe I'm blogging anew because I read that blogging is going out of fashion.
Thanksgiving was delicious. A couple of months ago I had the opportunity to cook a 20 lb. turkey. My brother receives free turkeys from his work and still had the Christmas Turkey from last year. Since that roasting was such a success my brother and I thought it would be good to have has many family and friends over for this thanksgiving. 20 people and a pound of turkey for each person. There were many other delicious treats as well, pies, tira misu, twice baked potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, the list goes on and on.
Andrea, Daniel, Mark, Rachel and I all went up to the Sandi Peak on the world's longest tram! I always love going to the peak and this day was beautiful. It was Andrea's first time experiencing snow. As we the tram pulled us along the cable to the top of the mountain we entered a cloud. And chunks of ice assaulted the tram car. Traveling further up the chunks become snow. The first time Andrea experienced snow was while traveling inside that cloud that produced it!
Once on the top we had many snowfights and made snow angels. :D
9.7.08
It's Been A While
Location: My Sanctuary
Since my last entry I've been to: Alabama,Ohio, NYC, DC, Arkansas and have settled in nicely with my brother in Albuquerque. During that time it was wonderful to pay some much needed visits to friend and family. Thanks to Airtran and Kayak for making much of that traveling possible. A big thank you to Denise, the Jeters, Louis and Ji-Hae and of course my Grandparents in Arkansas.
Being back in NM has been... enchanting. My brother and I are making great strides in turning the house into amazing, functional, technologically updated Bachelor Pad.
There was some very sad news concerning a good friend of mine John-Wolfie Smeltzer. My love goes out to his family, especially Mera.
In other news it's been a mostly warm welcome here in Albuquerque. Between my family, green chile, the temperature, art openings, graduations and a Wii Tea Party, it's been envigorating and relaxing.
Grandma is coming tomorrow and Daniel and I have a big delicious dinner planned. He and I have been having a ton of fun together: cooking, playing video games and working on the house.
I can't wait to go to LA!
Since my last entry I've been to: Alabama,Ohio, NYC, DC, Arkansas and have settled in nicely with my brother in Albuquerque. During that time it was wonderful to pay some much needed visits to friend and family. Thanks to Airtran and Kayak for making much of that traveling possible. A big thank you to Denise, the Jeters, Louis and Ji-Hae and of course my Grandparents in Arkansas.
Being back in NM has been... enchanting. My brother and I are making great strides in turning the house into amazing, functional, technologically updated Bachelor Pad.
There was some very sad news concerning a good friend of mine John-Wolfie Smeltzer. My love goes out to his family, especially Mera.
In other news it's been a mostly warm welcome here in Albuquerque. Between my family, green chile, the temperature, art openings, graduations and a Wii Tea Party, it's been envigorating and relaxing.
Grandma is coming tomorrow and Daniel and I have a big delicious dinner planned. He and I have been having a ton of fun together: cooking, playing video games and working on the house.
I can't wait to go to LA!
8.5.08
Japan
Location: Kansai International
Well it's been a fun trip to Japan and now it's time to go back to the US. Osaka was a fun, creative city. The fashion was amazing and I was awed by the bike traffic. I spent some time by the Yodo river one day, had some excellent sushi and delicious udong. On Tuesday I took a train to Kyoto and met up with Denise (Reiko) and the group she was traveling with. They had just come from taking the Buddhist precepts at Hokyoji Monastary and had spent a week in shesshin, an intense practice session based on the monastic schedule. The leader of group, Tahaiku, was gracious enough to let me go on pilgrimage to the temples of Kyoto with the group. At one of our meals I found out that the group had a very powerful experience. In the 700 year history of the Monastary they were the only foreigners to take the precepts at the Monastary.
I have some more pictures up in my web album.
Now I am waiting at Kansai International to board my flight back to the US.
Well it's been a fun trip to Japan and now it's time to go back to the US. Osaka was a fun, creative city. The fashion was amazing and I was awed by the bike traffic. I spent some time by the Yodo river one day, had some excellent sushi and delicious udong. On Tuesday I took a train to Kyoto and met up with Denise (Reiko) and the group she was traveling with. They had just come from taking the Buddhist precepts at Hokyoji Monastary and had spent a week in shesshin, an intense practice session based on the monastic schedule. The leader of group, Tahaiku, was gracious enough to let me go on pilgrimage to the temples of Kyoto with the group. At one of our meals I found out that the group had a very powerful experience. In the 700 year history of the Monastary they were the only foreigners to take the precepts at the Monastary.
I have some more pictures up in my web album.
Now I am waiting at Kansai International to board my flight back to the US.
4.5.08
Why AM I in Japan?
Location: After Some Sushi
Okay, here's the deal:
Everything was going fine in Seoul until the end of January. At that time the man who hired me, supposedly, contracted a stomach ulcer. He resigned and a new man was brought in. At this point the new "boss" proceeded to threaten our job security and basically be an all around... insert your own creative expletive here. He offered an "out" from my year long contract. Which I promptly accepted. Unfortunately, he (the new boss) had absolutely no authority to make this offer. I found this out in my talks with the Principal of the school. Somewhat embarrassed, I decided to stay, mainly because I thought the principal was a good woman and I realized the power lay with her and not the new guy. He would just be a slight nuisance I had to put up with.
Another major point of the "new regime" is that my job function changed. Instead of being there to help develop an acting/theatre program for young children it shifted to: Kindergarten Teacher. While there is much honor and necessity in being a kindergarten teacher that is not what I came to Seoul to do or be. Quickly the incentives for being Seoul are diminishing at this point, which would be about March.
March arrived and with it so did the new school year. This brought in 3 new teachers in addition to the other 3 that were already there. There had still been no meetings about how to run the school and organization was nil. As the month progressed it became apparent that the Administration was basically extorting the other teachers in order for them to change the contract that they had signed into something more "beneficial" for the school. I was being treated well, mainly because I had the bulk of the classes. So I was slowly becoming infuriated, and with no desire to continue working there.
Something else to keep in mind. This school is a private school and the tuition is quite high. A year's tuition at the school (which is a preschool and kindergarten) would easily cover a standard college education in South Korea and probably rent too! Where was all this money going though? The facilities where not in excellent shape. Wall paper was torn, mosquitoes where flying around, somehow there was never enough paper towels or paper tissues. All forgivable and not a BIG deal, unless you take into account just how much the admin was charging. And it was never put into the school. Repeatedly I told the admin that there was no reason for me to be there. I walked out, telling them to get their act together. Finally, they withheld the passport of one of the teachers at the school whom they had been employing illegally. After almost going to the police in a (probably vain) attempt to get his passport back I decided to turn in my 2nd and final letter of resignation. The teacher did end up getting his passport back, but a day late and at the last possible minute.
As far as resigning goes.... I could've just left and pulled a "midnight run". And that probably would've been the most lucrative thing to do. However, I wanted somehow to help the school get on the right track. If I simply ran away, in their eyes I would be the bad guy.Some irresponsible foreigner who couldn't take living abroad and who just ditched them. Even though I realized I probably wouldn't be paid for the final month, largely because of the immaturity of the administration, I decided not to run away and instead turn in my resignation and let the school know as clearly as possible why I was leaving. This is mid April.
After I turn in my letter the principal never talks with me again. I continue teaching my classes hoping in 2 weeks they can find another teacher. They do not. And true to form they have not paid me yet for that final month.
There are of course many other details that could be filled in but those are the major points as far as the businesses aspect of me working in Seoul goes.
The next post will be alot more... fun ;)
Okay, here's the deal:
Everything was going fine in Seoul until the end of January. At that time the man who hired me, supposedly, contracted a stomach ulcer. He resigned and a new man was brought in. At this point the new "boss" proceeded to threaten our job security and basically be an all around... insert your own creative expletive here. He offered an "out" from my year long contract. Which I promptly accepted. Unfortunately, he (the new boss) had absolutely no authority to make this offer. I found this out in my talks with the Principal of the school. Somewhat embarrassed, I decided to stay, mainly because I thought the principal was a good woman and I realized the power lay with her and not the new guy. He would just be a slight nuisance I had to put up with.
Another major point of the "new regime" is that my job function changed. Instead of being there to help develop an acting/theatre program for young children it shifted to: Kindergarten Teacher. While there is much honor and necessity in being a kindergarten teacher that is not what I came to Seoul to do or be. Quickly the incentives for being Seoul are diminishing at this point, which would be about March.
March arrived and with it so did the new school year. This brought in 3 new teachers in addition to the other 3 that were already there. There had still been no meetings about how to run the school and organization was nil. As the month progressed it became apparent that the Administration was basically extorting the other teachers in order for them to change the contract that they had signed into something more "beneficial" for the school. I was being treated well, mainly because I had the bulk of the classes. So I was slowly becoming infuriated, and with no desire to continue working there.
Something else to keep in mind. This school is a private school and the tuition is quite high. A year's tuition at the school (which is a preschool and kindergarten) would easily cover a standard college education in South Korea and probably rent too! Where was all this money going though? The facilities where not in excellent shape. Wall paper was torn, mosquitoes where flying around, somehow there was never enough paper towels or paper tissues. All forgivable and not a BIG deal, unless you take into account just how much the admin was charging. And it was never put into the school. Repeatedly I told the admin that there was no reason for me to be there. I walked out, telling them to get their act together. Finally, they withheld the passport of one of the teachers at the school whom they had been employing illegally. After almost going to the police in a (probably vain) attempt to get his passport back I decided to turn in my 2nd and final letter of resignation. The teacher did end up getting his passport back, but a day late and at the last possible minute.
As far as resigning goes.... I could've just left and pulled a "midnight run". And that probably would've been the most lucrative thing to do. However, I wanted somehow to help the school get on the right track. If I simply ran away, in their eyes I would be the bad guy.Some irresponsible foreigner who couldn't take living abroad and who just ditched them. Even though I realized I probably wouldn't be paid for the final month, largely because of the immaturity of the administration, I decided not to run away and instead turn in my resignation and let the school know as clearly as possible why I was leaving. This is mid April.
After I turn in my letter the principal never talks with me again. I continue teaching my classes hoping in 2 weeks they can find another teacher. They do not. And true to form they have not paid me yet for that final month.
There are of course many other details that could be filled in but those are the major points as far as the businesses aspect of me working in Seoul goes.
The next post will be alot more... fun ;)
Made It!
Location: Osaka
Just a quick update. I made it to Osaka this afternoon and right now I'm about to take a much needed rest. Everything went fine.... well there was one minor hiccup. I'll write all about after some tea and sleep, and maybe some food... and..and .and.
Just a quick update. I made it to Osaka this afternoon and right now I'm about to take a much needed rest. Everything went fine.... well there was one minor hiccup. I'll write all about after some tea and sleep, and maybe some food... and..and .and.
27.4.08
Enoch's Funeral
Location: High Above the Atmosphere
There is much to report and there will be many blog entries in may. Tonight some... sad news. Enoch has passed away.
Many of you don't know Enoch. He's only been with us for a short time. In fact, only a few months.
Enoch was Paul's (a teacher at the school)friend. Or pet. Well, pet beetle.
Maybe the pictures will help: http://picasaweb.google.com/patmce/EnochSFuneral
In any case there will be much traveling in the next couple of weeks and I'll keep you all posted.
It's been a crazy couple of months :D
Good things.
There is much to report and there will be many blog entries in may. Tonight some... sad news. Enoch has passed away.
Many of you don't know Enoch. He's only been with us for a short time. In fact, only a few months.
Enoch was Paul's (a teacher at the school)friend. Or pet. Well, pet beetle.
Maybe the pictures will help: http://picasaweb.google.com/patmce/EnochSFuneral
In any case there will be much traveling in the next couple of weeks and I'll keep you all posted.
It's been a crazy couple of months :D
Good things.
9.3.08
Bowling, Books and Bangs
The last few weeks have been very tumultuous.
Ambivalent news first: There's a new 'director' in town. And after some initial misgivings things are working out fine.
Good news follows: I've scored the highest bowling score of my life. A strikingly admirable score of 153. This time there were even witnesses. This beats my previous record of 143 and that time no one was around to witness my bowling prowess. I've also been introduced to a variety of "bangs" which is pronounced more like "bah-ng". There are PC Bangs where you play video games with your friends there are norabangs where you rent a room with your friends and sing karaoke. That was a lot of fun. It made me long for my days playing Rock Band.
Teaching News:This week was my first official week teaching Kindergarten children. I have a class of 8 children. They are all very intelligent and energetic. I think we'll have a fun few months together. In Drama class the Theatre Troupe performed Shakespearian Sonnets. I was very proud of the 3 members. They are only in early middle school and they each memorized a Sonnet and performed them very well. Especially for being ESL. Right now we're making masks and will put on a show at the end of the month.
In other news I've taken up gardening. Kind of. I bought a plant and it's first blossom bloomed earlier this week. It's exciting to have something like to attend to. Also, a new teacher came to town last week and it turns out we have a mutual acquaintance in Alabama. Small world!
PS I've uploaded some more pictures.
Ambivalent news first: There's a new 'director' in town. And after some initial misgivings things are working out fine.
Good news follows: I've scored the highest bowling score of my life. A strikingly admirable score of 153. This time there were even witnesses. This beats my previous record of 143 and that time no one was around to witness my bowling prowess. I've also been introduced to a variety of "bangs" which is pronounced more like "bah-ng". There are PC Bangs where you play video games with your friends there are norabangs where you rent a room with your friends and sing karaoke. That was a lot of fun. It made me long for my days playing Rock Band.
Teaching News:This week was my first official week teaching Kindergarten children. I have a class of 8 children. They are all very intelligent and energetic. I think we'll have a fun few months together. In Drama class the Theatre Troupe performed Shakespearian Sonnets. I was very proud of the 3 members. They are only in early middle school and they each memorized a Sonnet and performed them very well. Especially for being ESL. Right now we're making masks and will put on a show at the end of the month.
In other news I've taken up gardening. Kind of. I bought a plant and it's first blossom bloomed earlier this week. It's exciting to have something like to attend to. Also, a new teacher came to town last week and it turns out we have a mutual acquaintance in Alabama. Small world!
PS I've uploaded some more pictures.
9.2.08
Happy New Year, Again!
Location: Back from the Villiage
NEW PICTURES!!!!
Check 'em out.
I stayed in Seoul for this 5 day Chinese New Year Weekend. The city has been virtually empty this week. Everyone has gone to the country side, or skiing, or to visit family and the city was practically closed for most of the week.
Some of the other teachers and I went to Namsan Tower. This structure resembles the Space Needle to some degree and is located right in the middle of Seoul. There is a revolving restaurant and you can see the enter city from up top.
After we left the tower we found ourselves in the "Traditional Korean Villiage". There were many games being played. Some resembling hop-scotch and hacky-sack. The dances are beautiful and reminded me of some of the Indian Pueblo dances back in Albuquerque. Probably because of the drums :)
The next day I simply rested.
Friday I went to the National Museum and had a wonderful experience. I don't know what dance was going on, but the performers used gigantic drums and the space itself is humongous. Beautiful.
Today I joined a photography group. I found myself back at the "Traditional Korean Village" and took some more photos. The highlight was eating a Korean pancake called: buchimgae (부 침개 sp?) and drinking makoli.
Later I think I may go to a sauna. Other than that I've been playing a lot of Magic Online and enjoying life.
Enjoy the pictures and may you have a productive Year of the Rat :D
NEW PICTURES!!!!
Check 'em out.
I stayed in Seoul for this 5 day Chinese New Year Weekend. The city has been virtually empty this week. Everyone has gone to the country side, or skiing, or to visit family and the city was practically closed for most of the week.
Some of the other teachers and I went to Namsan Tower. This structure resembles the Space Needle to some degree and is located right in the middle of Seoul. There is a revolving restaurant and you can see the enter city from up top.
After we left the tower we found ourselves in the "Traditional Korean Villiage". There were many games being played. Some resembling hop-scotch and hacky-sack. The dances are beautiful and reminded me of some of the Indian Pueblo dances back in Albuquerque. Probably because of the drums :)
The next day I simply rested.
Friday I went to the National Museum and had a wonderful experience. I don't know what dance was going on, but the performers used gigantic drums and the space itself is humongous. Beautiful.
Today I joined a photography group. I found myself back at the "Traditional Korean Village" and took some more photos. The highlight was eating a Korean pancake called: buchimgae (부 침개 sp?) and drinking makoli.
Later I think I may go to a sauna. Other than that I've been playing a lot of Magic Online and enjoying life.
Enjoy the pictures and may you have a productive Year of the Rat :D
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27.1.08
What a deal!
Location: Back from the Banks of the Han River
Hi Everyone! This week was a snow filled winter wonderland of goodness. Not to be confused with goddesses. Although, that would be good. Maybe some day soon. The city was cold and white earlier this week but today it's cold and Sunny! Hooray.
Yesterday I went to Namdemum (I think I'm spelling that wrong) and bought a "Prada" bag for about 30 bucks. I still think I probably got ripped off. :) I also bought a new pair of glasses and then went to the local Spa for some relaxation and a Haircut. I LOVE SEOUL! Today I walked near the river and took some pictures. Enjoy!
Sidenote: Can we bring back the interrobang? Or maybe invent some new punctuation? Or make it academically sound to use smiley's in our writings? :D
Speaking of academically sound a former teaching colleague of mine posed these questions:
1. What do you think is the most important thing to know to be (fill in the blank--successful, happy, a good citizen, etc)?
2. What do you think is the most important thing to be able to do in order to be (fill in the blank--successful, happy, a good citizen, etc)?
Any thoughts? From anyone? I think I'll take a cue and withhold my answers until I hear from a few others so I don't "taint" the data.
Speaking of tainted, does anyone know Shakespeare's Sonnet XIX? Some of the students I'm teaching are working on it. Any other favorites?
Since I'm asking so many questions... there's a five day break coming up next week. What should I do? So many options... maybe travel... maybe relax, maybe read maybe... I don't know.
The must read article of the week that was already outdated by the time I found it: http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/magazine/16-01/ff_byrne
Till next week...
Hi Everyone! This week was a snow filled winter wonderland of goodness. Not to be confused with goddesses. Although, that would be good. Maybe some day soon. The city was cold and white earlier this week but today it's cold and Sunny! Hooray.
Yesterday I went to Namdemum (I think I'm spelling that wrong) and bought a "Prada" bag for about 30 bucks. I still think I probably got ripped off. :) I also bought a new pair of glasses and then went to the local Spa for some relaxation and a Haircut. I LOVE SEOUL! Today I walked near the river and took some pictures. Enjoy!
Sidenote: Can we bring back the interrobang? Or maybe invent some new punctuation? Or make it academically sound to use smiley's in our writings? :D
Speaking of academically sound a former teaching colleague of mine posed these questions:
1. What do you think is the most important thing to know to be (fill in the blank--successful, happy, a good citizen, etc)?
2. What do you think is the most important thing to be able to do in order to be (fill in the blank--successful, happy, a good citizen, etc)?
Any thoughts? From anyone? I think I'll take a cue and withhold my answers until I hear from a few others so I don't "taint" the data.
Speaking of tainted, does anyone know Shakespeare's Sonnet XIX? Some of the students I'm teaching are working on it. Any other favorites?
Since I'm asking so many questions... there's a five day break coming up next week. What should I do? So many options... maybe travel... maybe relax, maybe read maybe... I don't know.
The must read article of the week that was already outdated by the time I found it: http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/magazine/16-01/ff_byrne
Till next week...
20.1.08
Stuck on Sticky Stuff
Locale: Jazztastic
인녀ㅇ하세요
What's happened lately? Well, I'm teaching Speech and Debate right now. And what a great time to be teaching it. It's almost the celebration of the birth of one of the greatest speakers to ever grace the earth with his presence: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Also, I bought some stickers to decorate my kitchen and bathroom with. And some sticky insulation to put on my door and keep the wind out!
Things have settled down from the initial buzz of arriving in a foreign country. The school schedule is relatively calm. I can get groceries on a regular basis. So I'm not worried about eating or any of the essential aspects of life. The Chinese New Year is coming in a couple of weeks so I'm thinking about traveling somewhere. Maybe to North Korea. One of the other teachers is interested in that. Or maybe I'll just relax and sleep... :)
The weather's been kind of cold lately. It snowed last week. Other than that it's been pretty uneventful here. Maybe next time I'll have more adventures to report on.
Hey! Did you ever watch Fairy Tale Theatre on PBS? Goolge Video has a great selection of the program if you're interested. Also, Juno is a good movie, although not as great as I wanted it to be. Time to put more stickers on the wall!
인녀ㅇ하세요
What's happened lately? Well, I'm teaching Speech and Debate right now. And what a great time to be teaching it. It's almost the celebration of the birth of one of the greatest speakers to ever grace the earth with his presence: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Also, I bought some stickers to decorate my kitchen and bathroom with. And some sticky insulation to put on my door and keep the wind out!
Things have settled down from the initial buzz of arriving in a foreign country. The school schedule is relatively calm. I can get groceries on a regular basis. So I'm not worried about eating or any of the essential aspects of life. The Chinese New Year is coming in a couple of weeks so I'm thinking about traveling somewhere. Maybe to North Korea. One of the other teachers is interested in that. Or maybe I'll just relax and sleep... :)
The weather's been kind of cold lately. It snowed last week. Other than that it's been pretty uneventful here. Maybe next time I'll have more adventures to report on.
Hey! Did you ever watch Fairy Tale Theatre on PBS? Goolge Video has a great selection of the program if you're interested. Also, Juno is a good movie, although not as great as I wanted it to be. Time to put more stickers on the wall!
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3.1.08
I've Got Seoul But I'm Not A Soldier
Location: Out of the Cold and into Hagen Daz
It's almost 2008! I have a webcam. I'm tired. Been eating some pizza from Mr. Hand. I mean Pizzahand. But just imagine a big hand walking around in a suit. That's Mr. Hand. Teaching is going, well, very well. SFS, SIS and soon the "regular" classes will start up again. If you check out the photo album you'll see some pictures of me at Christmas with my new Korean family. Saw the Golden Compass. It's good. Oh, the kids are starting to write their own play. Good group. Chris bought a computer and I helped him. Grocery shopping, delicious food.
So that's the stream of consciousness-exhausted-portion of the entry.
Days later....
I LOVE skype. I've been able to talk face to face with my family and a friend or two. Invaluable in this world away from the world I know.
We have a performance tomorrow called: Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow. The class has created a short play/presentation about The Joy of Now, the Sadness of the Past and Hope for Tomorrow. Or anyway that's kind of an explanation for the performance.
Regina Spektor is a delight, if you can take it.
So, Seoul far Seoul Good. And no I will never, ever run out of puns involving the word Seoul.
Oh, and It's 2008 now! Happy New Year to everyone!
I learned how to make Curry from Mr. Lee the other day. I was planning on going to the grocery store and it ended up being an adventure in making curry. Then I set up a photo printer for Mrs. Kim!
Seoulong, until next time.
It's almost 2008! I have a webcam. I'm tired. Been eating some pizza from Mr. Hand. I mean Pizzahand. But just imagine a big hand walking around in a suit. That's Mr. Hand. Teaching is going, well, very well. SFS, SIS and soon the "regular" classes will start up again. If you check out the photo album you'll see some pictures of me at Christmas with my new Korean family. Saw the Golden Compass. It's good. Oh, the kids are starting to write their own play. Good group. Chris bought a computer and I helped him. Grocery shopping, delicious food.
So that's the stream of consciousness-exhausted-portion of the entry.
Days later....
I LOVE skype. I've been able to talk face to face with my family and a friend or two. Invaluable in this world away from the world I know.
We have a performance tomorrow called: Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow. The class has created a short play/presentation about The Joy of Now, the Sadness of the Past and Hope for Tomorrow. Or anyway that's kind of an explanation for the performance.
Regina Spektor is a delight, if you can take it.
So, Seoul far Seoul Good. And no I will never, ever run out of puns involving the word Seoul.
Oh, and It's 2008 now! Happy New Year to everyone!
I learned how to make Curry from Mr. Lee the other day. I was planning on going to the grocery store and it ended up being an adventure in making curry. Then I set up a photo printer for Mrs. Kim!
Seoulong, until next time.
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22.12.07
Communications Update
Location: Skype
Okay, for anyone who is interested I just started using Skype and it's great. So if you're on Skype feel free to call me. My name is patmce. Talk to you soon!
Okay, for anyone who is interested I just started using Skype and it's great. So if you're on Skype feel free to call me. My name is patmce. Talk to you soon!
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Mally Christmas
Location: Korean Bagel
That's right I skipped out on reporting about the election. In case anyone was wondering candidate number 2, the favorite won. He's a former Hyundai exec and is apparently already under some kind of criminal investigation. In other news..
This week the new drama teacher and my companion in arms for this year showed up. His name is Christopher. We taught some new classes this week. Mainly book club where we are reading different books with 2nd grade students in the morning. In the afternoon we're teaching them "Tomorrow" and helping them write a show of their own. On Thursday the school had a Christmas show for all the parents and now the kids are on break. One of the classes performed a version of the Christmas Carol that was very good. Chris and I performed a version of the "The Nigh Before Christmas". I sang and played the guitar while Chris did an interpretive dance. After the performances the teachers were invited to go out to eat at the Outback Steakhouse. Funny, I think this time last year I was at a an Outback in Montgomery, Alabama. The service was about the same...
Chris and I have been walking and taking the subway around town. Yesterday we went to the 63 building which is the largest building in Seoul. I have a picture or two in the photo album. Then we took the subway to the theatre district. Or at least that was the idea... We got off a stop early and much to our surprise and delight we ended up in the clothing/shopping district of Seoul. Everything was 5 or 10 dollars. Can't wait until I get paid! It was Saturday and the Saturday before Christmas so it was extremely busy, people were bustling along the streets and there was much street food to be sampled. My favorite so far are these cinnamon and sugar filled pancakes. Earlier in the week I made a chicken soup with some of the gigantic carrots I bought from a lady on the street. 3 for a dollar! For the carrots, not the lady.
Today I need to read and prepare for week two of the book club. I'm not sick any more and all in all it was the calmest week since I've arrived.
That's right I skipped out on reporting about the election. In case anyone was wondering candidate number 2, the favorite won. He's a former Hyundai exec and is apparently already under some kind of criminal investigation. In other news..
This week the new drama teacher and my companion in arms for this year showed up. His name is Christopher. We taught some new classes this week. Mainly book club where we are reading different books with 2nd grade students in the morning. In the afternoon we're teaching them "Tomorrow" and helping them write a show of their own. On Thursday the school had a Christmas show for all the parents and now the kids are on break. One of the classes performed a version of the Christmas Carol that was very good. Chris and I performed a version of the "The Nigh Before Christmas". I sang and played the guitar while Chris did an interpretive dance. After the performances the teachers were invited to go out to eat at the Outback Steakhouse. Funny, I think this time last year I was at a an Outback in Montgomery, Alabama. The service was about the same...
Chris and I have been walking and taking the subway around town. Yesterday we went to the 63 building which is the largest building in Seoul. I have a picture or two in the photo album. Then we took the subway to the theatre district. Or at least that was the idea... We got off a stop early and much to our surprise and delight we ended up in the clothing/shopping district of Seoul. Everything was 5 or 10 dollars. Can't wait until I get paid! It was Saturday and the Saturday before Christmas so it was extremely busy, people were bustling along the streets and there was much street food to be sampled. My favorite so far are these cinnamon and sugar filled pancakes. Earlier in the week I made a chicken soup with some of the gigantic carrots I bought from a lady on the street. 3 for a dollar! For the carrots, not the lady.
Today I need to read and prepare for week two of the book club. I'm not sick any more and all in all it was the calmest week since I've arrived.
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16.12.07
What Day Is It? Or the Sub Way
Location: Peter and the Wolf
No new pictures to post this week. Unfortunately my usual weekend photo session was canceled on account of my sickness. I don't know if it was the kids coughing all over me and then giving me hugs to simultaneously share the love and the disease or if it's because I'm in a foreign country but I was sick most of the weekend. Luckily a hearty Japanese fish soup cured most of my ailments. Oh, and rest, lots of rest. Right now I'm doing my first load of laundry here in Seoul. The washer is in the apartment of the new teacher that's coming in tonight. So I've got to finish washing and clean up the bathroom. Why? Because the washing machine is attached to the sink in the bathroom and then all the water empties into a drain in the floor there. I think that the hoses were still dirty when I tried my first load because all of my clothes came out dirtier than when I put them in! Of course all the controls on the machine are in Korean. So maybe I pressed the "make my clothes filthy" button instead of wash.
Earlier this week I purchased the Korean equivalent of a Metro-Card and showed Paul how to get around on the subway. On Friday we went to Itaewon which is basically the Foreigner's area of Seoul. We ate Turkish kebabs from a real Turk and then watched Elf. Which in Korean is "El-Pu". Then it snowed at the end to prove that Seoul truly embodies the Christmas spirit. It was fun meeting some new people and hanging out with everyone. There were two Germans, 3 Koreans and 4 Americans in a group. Paul and I left Itaewon just as things were getting rowdy. Beer bottles smashing and club music pounding.
Other new developments: I now have a guitar, there should be a reliable internet connection set up tomorrow and by the end of the week maybe even a phone. Also, Wednesday is a day off for me. Why? Because it's Election Day! I'll have special election coverage talking about all 12 candidates. Or some variation thereof. Oh! And I'm officially an Alien. Thanks Korea!
No new pictures to post this week. Unfortunately my usual weekend photo session was canceled on account of my sickness. I don't know if it was the kids coughing all over me and then giving me hugs to simultaneously share the love and the disease or if it's because I'm in a foreign country but I was sick most of the weekend. Luckily a hearty Japanese fish soup cured most of my ailments. Oh, and rest, lots of rest. Right now I'm doing my first load of laundry here in Seoul. The washer is in the apartment of the new teacher that's coming in tonight. So I've got to finish washing and clean up the bathroom. Why? Because the washing machine is attached to the sink in the bathroom and then all the water empties into a drain in the floor there. I think that the hoses were still dirty when I tried my first load because all of my clothes came out dirtier than when I put them in! Of course all the controls on the machine are in Korean. So maybe I pressed the "make my clothes filthy" button instead of wash.
Earlier this week I purchased the Korean equivalent of a Metro-Card and showed Paul how to get around on the subway. On Friday we went to Itaewon which is basically the Foreigner's area of Seoul. We ate Turkish kebabs from a real Turk and then watched Elf. Which in Korean is "El-Pu". Then it snowed at the end to prove that Seoul truly embodies the Christmas spirit. It was fun meeting some new people and hanging out with everyone. There were two Germans, 3 Koreans and 4 Americans in a group. Paul and I left Itaewon just as things were getting rowdy. Beer bottles smashing and club music pounding.
Other new developments: I now have a guitar, there should be a reliable internet connection set up tomorrow and by the end of the week maybe even a phone. Also, Wednesday is a day off for me. Why? Because it's Election Day! I'll have special election coverage talking about all 12 candidates. Or some variation thereof. Oh! And I'm officially an Alien. Thanks Korea!
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9.12.07
How I Became A Yogi
Location: A Bowl of Rice, Rice Baby!
This was my first week teaching in Seoul. Everyday it seemed like the classes where going to be different. Monday was Drama with 5 year olds, then 7 year olds. Earlier in the day story telling. Then story telling was canceled. And in the afternoon my class consisted of only 2 seven year olds. During all this schedule shifting there was still a curriculum that needed to be developed. Every class was about finding out what worked for the students and what didn't. Group activities are best for the 5 year olds and the children that are a little bit older can start to improvise. My 2 person Drama Troupe performed the Princess and the Pea. Everybody LOVES the accordion. Well... almost everybody, there are a few children who think it is probably sent from the devil. Maybe those kids have been creating all those accordion hate websites... By the end of the week though another big shifted happened. The yoga teacher split Seoul and left her students hanging in Downward facing Dog. The school director quickly recruited me to take over. He even made some kind of appreciation video for me, which I'll post if he ever gives me a copy. This is the point in which I invite anyone pedagogically interested to engage on a debate about whether or not Yoga is even an appropriate "skill" to teach young children, let alone adults. That's right, I'm going against the grain and saying yoga (typically) is not a good idea. But back to Seoul and away from inciting comments.
The work out plan is to run along part of the Han River ever other day. The North Shore is about 5 minutes away from the elevator. It's a really gorgeous view in the morning. Maybe I'll bring my camera tomorrow and take some pictures of the sunrise for everyone. Speaking of pictures... I added a few more to the slideshow. If I walk north, away from the river and underneath the subway station and I come up very close to some kind of government park. I think it might be part of a US military base.... or maybe not... hmm... that's where the picture of the hand and the man and the birds are from. I also managed to make it to I-park all by myself!
Saturday afternoon was spent at the Dragon Spa! $10 and you get up to 12 hours in this place. Saunas, hot tubs, pools, restaurants, movie theatre, sleeping rooms the works! I loved it. I'm definitely going back at least once a month. Maybe once a week! Depending on how this yoga thing goes. Today I went to the electronics market and figured out how to get there on the subway. It's only about one stop from where I live. I bought a pair of headphones and they sound great. Other than that I've been reading the Korea Herald which has a lot of postings for language/friend exchange. Where you exchange a friend of yours for the Korean Language. Err.... I mean you exchange your language and friendship for someone else's. Sounds like a plan!
This was my first week teaching in Seoul. Everyday it seemed like the classes where going to be different. Monday was Drama with 5 year olds, then 7 year olds. Earlier in the day story telling. Then story telling was canceled. And in the afternoon my class consisted of only 2 seven year olds. During all this schedule shifting there was still a curriculum that needed to be developed. Every class was about finding out what worked for the students and what didn't. Group activities are best for the 5 year olds and the children that are a little bit older can start to improvise. My 2 person Drama Troupe performed the Princess and the Pea. Everybody LOVES the accordion. Well... almost everybody, there are a few children who think it is probably sent from the devil. Maybe those kids have been creating all those accordion hate websites... By the end of the week though another big shifted happened. The yoga teacher split Seoul and left her students hanging in Downward facing Dog. The school director quickly recruited me to take over. He even made some kind of appreciation video for me, which I'll post if he ever gives me a copy. This is the point in which I invite anyone pedagogically interested to engage on a debate about whether or not Yoga is even an appropriate "skill" to teach young children, let alone adults. That's right, I'm going against the grain and saying yoga (typically) is not a good idea. But back to Seoul and away from inciting comments.
The work out plan is to run along part of the Han River ever other day. The North Shore is about 5 minutes away from the elevator. It's a really gorgeous view in the morning. Maybe I'll bring my camera tomorrow and take some pictures of the sunrise for everyone. Speaking of pictures... I added a few more to the slideshow. If I walk north, away from the river and underneath the subway station and I come up very close to some kind of government park. I think it might be part of a US military base.... or maybe not... hmm... that's where the picture of the hand and the man and the birds are from. I also managed to make it to I-park all by myself!
Saturday afternoon was spent at the Dragon Spa! $10 and you get up to 12 hours in this place. Saunas, hot tubs, pools, restaurants, movie theatre, sleeping rooms the works! I loved it. I'm definitely going back at least once a month. Maybe once a week! Depending on how this yoga thing goes. Today I went to the electronics market and figured out how to get there on the subway. It's only about one stop from where I live. I bought a pair of headphones and they sound great. Other than that I've been reading the Korea Herald which has a lot of postings for language/friend exchange. Where you exchange a friend of yours for the Korean Language. Err.... I mean you exchange your language and friendship for someone else's. Sounds like a plan!
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30.11.07
Seoul Week 1
Location: My Apartment In Seoul!
OKay! First of all I've set up a slide show on the page that I'll continue to update with pictures. You should be able to just click on the photo if you want to see a larger version. If the slideshow doesn't work for you try this link: Photo Album
After arriving here at Inchon International Airport I spent some time looking around for whoever it was that was going to pick me up. Owen said either he would or someone from the school. So I didn't know who to expect. All I knew was that none of the people waiting with signs had my name on it! Instead of panicking I went to the currency exchange area and got some won! It was bout 930won to 1 dollar. Then I walked back to see if anyone new had shown up. Nope. Maybe a phone would be a good idea. There was a prepaid phone area, but that seemed like too much. After all, I just needed to make 1 phone call. Looking around I saw some public phones, but it looked like they only accepted coins, which I didn't have. Maybe a phone card would do the trick. Wouldn't you know it! The phone card machine was broken down. Hmm.... so I walked back again. Every time I walked back and forth there were cab drivers asking people if they needed a ride. I kept running into the same one. Finally he let me use his cell phone. Soon after that Lee, the co-founder at Starters (the school I'm teaching at) showed up. Lee is a very friendly man and we talked about the city as we drove into it. Seoul is about an 1hr and half drive from Inchon. As we approached Seoul traffic really began to pick up. Lee said it was too bad though, probably because it was only Wednesday. As we were bringing up my bags there was another Caucasian guy in the stair well. He was Paul! Another new teacher, he had arrived the day before. He was very tired from the jet lag so he retired for the evening. As Lee was showing me my apartment, which is like a penthouse/studio, his wife and daughter showed up with Owen. They had all gone shopping and brought some essentials like: Frosted Flakes, Milk, a cutting board and knife, toothpaste, soap, some shower slippers (I think...) air fresheners and a small metal pot.
After that we went out to eat. Downstairs from the apartment is a fried chicken restaurant. So we had fried chicken and beer and some fried potatoes too. A delicious first meal! As we were talking it came up that Mrs. Lee has an accordion. AH! All that time spent on "Patrick McElwee's Fun Time Happy Hour Half Hour Comedy Hour Super Crazy Accordion" Time is about to pay off, I thought! And sure enough, Mrs. Lee asked me to teach her to play the accordion for about the equivalent of my over time compensation. Owen also thought this was wonderful and asked me if I could incorporate it into my classes. SURE!
The next day Lee said that I should come to his apartment around 11am for breakfast and then I'd go to Starters for my first day. Our apartment buildings are set up like 3 identical towers built right next to each other. When I went out to go to Lee's apartment I couldn't quite remember which one was his. So I think I rang a couple of wrong door bells. Finally, I found it though and instead of breakfast we just walked straight to the school! On the way there were mother walking with there babies and I noticed how clean everything was. At school I read to a class and met some of the children, and ate lunch in one of the classes. The school is delightful! Also, Mrs. Lee took me and Paul to set up a bank account. Turns out Daniel was right, though. I do need a power adapter for my computer to work in the outlets here. After work Paul took me to a store right in one of the alleys near the apartments. I bought to adapters for about a dollar. We were hungry and went to a restaurant near by. Turns out it was a Chinese restaurant! Paul and I were pretty much hopeless trying to figure out what the menu said. A woman in the restaurant turned out to be the owner's sister and a travel agent and an English speaker. She helped us order some excellent dim sum.
After dinner I was ready to drop. 4 O'clock in the afternoon still felt like midnight to me at that point. Just as I was about to fall asleep Lee showed up and invited me and Paul to dinner. Well, I'm never one to refuse a meal. We had a great meal in Lee's apartment with his wife and daughter. All the traditional foods, bulgogi, kimchee and rice, with some fried fish too! And a soup made from kimchee. Delicious! I almost fell asleep at dinner though because I was so tired. Mrs. Lee noticed and laughingly said that she "released" me.
Next day at school I went to 4 classes ranging from children that were only 36 months old to about 7. I brought the accordion with me and sang and made up stories for them. Last night we went to the Hilton for an amazing buffet. There's now a TV and a refrigerator in the apartment and later today Owen and Paul and I are going to go grocery shopping I think on Sunday we're going to get a tour of some of the city too!
OKay! First of all I've set up a slide show on the page that I'll continue to update with pictures. You should be able to just click on the photo if you want to see a larger version. If the slideshow doesn't work for you try this link: Photo Album
After arriving here at Inchon International Airport I spent some time looking around for whoever it was that was going to pick me up. Owen said either he would or someone from the school. So I didn't know who to expect. All I knew was that none of the people waiting with signs had my name on it! Instead of panicking I went to the currency exchange area and got some won! It was bout 930won to 1 dollar. Then I walked back to see if anyone new had shown up. Nope. Maybe a phone would be a good idea. There was a prepaid phone area, but that seemed like too much. After all, I just needed to make 1 phone call. Looking around I saw some public phones, but it looked like they only accepted coins, which I didn't have. Maybe a phone card would do the trick. Wouldn't you know it! The phone card machine was broken down. Hmm.... so I walked back again. Every time I walked back and forth there were cab drivers asking people if they needed a ride. I kept running into the same one. Finally he let me use his cell phone. Soon after that Lee, the co-founder at Starters (the school I'm teaching at) showed up. Lee is a very friendly man and we talked about the city as we drove into it. Seoul is about an 1hr and half drive from Inchon. As we approached Seoul traffic really began to pick up. Lee said it was too bad though, probably because it was only Wednesday. As we were bringing up my bags there was another Caucasian guy in the stair well. He was Paul! Another new teacher, he had arrived the day before. He was very tired from the jet lag so he retired for the evening. As Lee was showing me my apartment, which is like a penthouse/studio, his wife and daughter showed up with Owen. They had all gone shopping and brought some essentials like: Frosted Flakes, Milk, a cutting board and knife, toothpaste, soap, some shower slippers (I think...) air fresheners and a small metal pot.
After that we went out to eat. Downstairs from the apartment is a fried chicken restaurant. So we had fried chicken and beer and some fried potatoes too. A delicious first meal! As we were talking it came up that Mrs. Lee has an accordion. AH! All that time spent on "Patrick McElwee's Fun Time Happy Hour Half Hour Comedy Hour Super Crazy Accordion" Time is about to pay off, I thought! And sure enough, Mrs. Lee asked me to teach her to play the accordion for about the equivalent of my over time compensation. Owen also thought this was wonderful and asked me if I could incorporate it into my classes. SURE!
The next day Lee said that I should come to his apartment around 11am for breakfast and then I'd go to Starters for my first day. Our apartment buildings are set up like 3 identical towers built right next to each other. When I went out to go to Lee's apartment I couldn't quite remember which one was his. So I think I rang a couple of wrong door bells. Finally, I found it though and instead of breakfast we just walked straight to the school! On the way there were mother walking with there babies and I noticed how clean everything was. At school I read to a class and met some of the children, and ate lunch in one of the classes. The school is delightful! Also, Mrs. Lee took me and Paul to set up a bank account. Turns out Daniel was right, though. I do need a power adapter for my computer to work in the outlets here. After work Paul took me to a store right in one of the alleys near the apartments. I bought to adapters for about a dollar. We were hungry and went to a restaurant near by. Turns out it was a Chinese restaurant! Paul and I were pretty much hopeless trying to figure out what the menu said. A woman in the restaurant turned out to be the owner's sister and a travel agent and an English speaker. She helped us order some excellent dim sum.
After dinner I was ready to drop. 4 O'clock in the afternoon still felt like midnight to me at that point. Just as I was about to fall asleep Lee showed up and invited me and Paul to dinner. Well, I'm never one to refuse a meal. We had a great meal in Lee's apartment with his wife and daughter. All the traditional foods, bulgogi, kimchee and rice, with some fried fish too! And a soup made from kimchee. Delicious! I almost fell asleep at dinner though because I was so tired. Mrs. Lee noticed and laughingly said that she "released" me.
Next day at school I went to 4 classes ranging from children that were only 36 months old to about 7. I brought the accordion with me and sang and made up stories for them. Last night we went to the Hilton for an amazing buffet. There's now a TV and a refrigerator in the apartment and later today Owen and Paul and I are going to go grocery shopping I think on Sunday we're going to get a tour of some of the city too!
29.11.07
The Journey Continues
Location: San Francisco
I've made it to San Francisco. I think I slept the whole way here. Or maybe I woke up somewhere around Las Vegas. All I know for sure is that I almost unintentionally exited the airport trying to find the International Terminal. So I had to go through security for a second time! Thank goodness I have about 4 hours to kill. And the security check point was surprisingly fast. I was in and out of a gigantic line in about 15 minutes. Not bad. But still 3 hours and 45 minutes to go... In the check point one of the security guards mentioned that the international gate access point is located behind some discretely placed pillars. Naturally. So after refastening my belt and otherwise suiting up after the speedy safety exodus I stood in line for he International Terminal Shuttle. There's basically a secret door that you're led through to let you on the super secret shuttle that takes you to the even more super secure and secret elevator that you can take to the very special privileged (and secret) terminal area. And thankfully my gate exists and so does my flight! Some day I'll have internet access and I can post this until then...
Location: Somewhere over the Pacific... I think
Flying Internationally is awesome! I think I've already been fed twice and I just received another glass of water. Watched some of the Transformers, took a nap. Had some pot roast, whice was really quite delicious and one of the largest ice cream sandwiches I've ever had. Singapore Airlines is great. The check in guys at SFO switched my seat so I could have a row all to my self. They said it was a very light flight. And they're right! I think that maybe half of the coach rows are filled. That's three seats to a row and maybe 15 of the 45 rows or so have an occupant.
I've made it to San Francisco. I think I slept the whole way here. Or maybe I woke up somewhere around Las Vegas. All I know for sure is that I almost unintentionally exited the airport trying to find the International Terminal. So I had to go through security for a second time! Thank goodness I have about 4 hours to kill. And the security check point was surprisingly fast. I was in and out of a gigantic line in about 15 minutes. Not bad. But still 3 hours and 45 minutes to go... In the check point one of the security guards mentioned that the international gate access point is located behind some discretely placed pillars. Naturally. So after refastening my belt and otherwise suiting up after the speedy safety exodus I stood in line for he International Terminal Shuttle. There's basically a secret door that you're led through to let you on the super secret shuttle that takes you to the even more super secure and secret elevator that you can take to the very special privileged (and secret) terminal area. And thankfully my gate exists and so does my flight! Some day I'll have internet access and I can post this until then...
Location: Somewhere over the Pacific... I think
Flying Internationally is awesome! I think I've already been fed twice and I just received another glass of water. Watched some of the Transformers, took a nap. Had some pot roast, whice was really quite delicious and one of the largest ice cream sandwiches I've ever had. Singapore Airlines is great. The check in guys at SFO switched my seat so I could have a row all to my self. They said it was a very light flight. And they're right! I think that maybe half of the coach rows are filled. That's three seats to a row and maybe 15 of the 45 rows or so have an occupant.
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27.11.07
And the Journey Begins
Location: ABQ International Airport
OKay! So far so good. My flight leaves for San Francisco in about half an hour. Daniel drove me to the Airport this morning after a whopping 3 hours of sleep. I think I have everything I need. *Gulp* I'm impressed with the free internet at the Airport right now. Still dark and cold. Had my last New Mexican meal for a while at Los Cuates last night. Thanks Mom and Brendan! Delicious. Talked with Owen last night and he said someone will definitely be in Seoul when I arrive tomorrow. Gee, I hope my bags are there. Guess, I'm still in groggy travel mode.
We'll, see how the internet is in San Fran...
OKay! So far so good. My flight leaves for San Francisco in about half an hour. Daniel drove me to the Airport this morning after a whopping 3 hours of sleep. I think I have everything I need. *Gulp* I'm impressed with the free internet at the Airport right now. Still dark and cold. Had my last New Mexican meal for a while at Los Cuates last night. Thanks Mom and Brendan! Delicious. Talked with Owen last night and he said someone will definitely be in Seoul when I arrive tomorrow. Gee, I hope my bags are there. Guess, I'm still in groggy travel mode.
We'll, see how the internet is in San Fran...
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26.11.07
Prep Work
Location: A Suitcase
Okay, here's the low-down: I'm packing today for my year long journey to Seoul, South Korea. I'm not taking much, because I don't have much. Just a couple of suitcases full of clothes and teaching materials and my trusty carry-ons: laptop and backpack. I'll be keeping everyone posted on my travels and excursions in Korea via this blog. So check back often and feel free to leave your comments.
What I know so far: I'll be living in Seoul and teaching at a private school for Korean American Children called Starters Academy. I'll be living on the top of a 14 floor building, in a small studio apartment. There are some other teachers coming from the US and Canada to help develop the program and teach the students. I'll mainly be teaching kindergarten children. Sounds like fun! Hopefully they won't exhaust me too much. We'll see if I get any sleep before my flight tomorrow. My excitement level is at a Spinal Tappish ELEVEN! Early in the morning the first stop is San Francisco, where there's a 5 hr lay over. Next stop Inchon International. And from there.... who knows!
Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes and support. May your lives be positive and fruitful.
Okay, here's the low-down: I'm packing today for my year long journey to Seoul, South Korea. I'm not taking much, because I don't have much. Just a couple of suitcases full of clothes and teaching materials and my trusty carry-ons: laptop and backpack. I'll be keeping everyone posted on my travels and excursions in Korea via this blog. So check back often and feel free to leave your comments.
What I know so far: I'll be living in Seoul and teaching at a private school for Korean American Children called Starters Academy. I'll be living on the top of a 14 floor building, in a small studio apartment. There are some other teachers coming from the US and Canada to help develop the program and teach the students. I'll mainly be teaching kindergarten children. Sounds like fun! Hopefully they won't exhaust me too much. We'll see if I get any sleep before my flight tomorrow. My excitement level is at a Spinal Tappish ELEVEN! Early in the morning the first stop is San Francisco, where there's a 5 hr lay over. Next stop Inchon International. And from there.... who knows!
Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes and support. May your lives be positive and fruitful.
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22.10.07
DigiQuest
Location: The Information Super Highway Baby!
Okay so this is like a mini-blog post that I started a while ago but didn't flesh out. Here it is anyway.
Fanfare! and the Sansa TakeTV. This is an interesting idea that allows you to utilize a usb memory key style device and upload video content to it then watch it directly on a tv screen. Of course with things like Hulu coming out and full line ups of TV programs on the ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX sites it doesn't seem like a necessary gadget. Of course Gadgets rarely are. Right Inspector?
Really expensive Fish & Chips! Okay, if you have to go restaurants that don't serve anything under $8 try this one. Here's their menu.
The Free Way!
Why Opensourceshakespeare Rocks. For those of you who don't know, I'm sometime a Shakespeare nerd. This site is one of the best, if not THE best on the net for searching through the Bard's brilliance.
And Don't Forget to NOT reserve your copy of: Guitar Hero III. Yeah, that's right. The game is lame. If you liked playing Guitar Hero II you probably own it and well get as much satisfaction out of that as if you bought the new game. Which is lame. Save your money for Rock Band. Now, this game is going to be awesome. I like to think of it as Karaoke Band-in-a-Box. Reserve your copy of this mega-gaming-goodness NOW.
Download the internet!
Extremely nerdy. Which is why I laughed when I saw it.
Okay so this is like a mini-blog post that I started a while ago but didn't flesh out. Here it is anyway.
Fanfare! and the Sansa TakeTV. This is an interesting idea that allows you to utilize a usb memory key style device and upload video content to it then watch it directly on a tv screen. Of course with things like Hulu coming out and full line ups of TV programs on the ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX sites it doesn't seem like a necessary gadget. Of course Gadgets rarely are. Right Inspector?
Really expensive Fish & Chips! Okay, if you have to go restaurants that don't serve anything under $8 try this one. Here's their menu.
The Free Way!
Why Opensourceshakespeare Rocks. For those of you who don't know, I'm sometime a Shakespeare nerd. This site is one of the best, if not THE best on the net for searching through the Bard's brilliance.
And Don't Forget to NOT reserve your copy of: Guitar Hero III. Yeah, that's right. The game is lame. If you liked playing Guitar Hero II you probably own it and well get as much satisfaction out of that as if you bought the new game. Which is lame. Save your money for Rock Band. Now, this game is going to be awesome. I like to think of it as Karaoke Band-in-a-Box. Reserve your copy of this mega-gaming-goodness NOW.
Download the internet!
Extremely nerdy. Which is why I laughed when I saw it.
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