A fun little place to visit if you are looking to see some places you might have otherwise missed.  I intend to share some of the interesting spots in Korea on my next trip.

…sooner or later falls apart.

Great Bob Dylan song, but I’ve always preferred the Jimi Hendrix cover.

I mention this because I’ve just completed my journey through 76 episodes of Battlestar Galatica.  And that tune provides a thread in the story.

BSG was one of those shows that began and ended while I was living full-time in Korea.  I wasn’t really into the (Ben Cartwright) version of the show and probably wouldn’t have watched this one either except for two things:  People whose opinion I respect spoke favorably of it and Netflix made it pretty damn easy to do (I have the proverbial time on my hands these days anyway). What can I say of my viewing experience?  I found the concept of the series intriguing, the story lines alternately engaging, irritating, frustrating, and sometimes confusing, but in the end I’d rate the overall series as being mostly enjoyable.

Now you can see why I don’t write reviews for a living.  Television I suppose contributes to the vast homogenization of our society, and this trying to include something pleasing for everyone tends to result in displeasing me.  You know, I could have done without all the allusions to current political events and the unfairness of contemporary American society.  I mean, if I can’t escape that crap in a deep outer space fantasy, I might as well head back to Korea.  Which I’m fixing to do.

Suffice to say, I’d have probably cut a third of the episodes and enjoyed it all the more.  Otherwise, the series kept me mostly entertained and I guess that was a purpose fulfilled.  Now, the Big Hominid has written up a series of ongoing reviews and considerations which are quite outstanding in their insights and perspectives, especially regarding the theological aspects of the show.

There must some kind of way out here…

Sorry to disappoint, but the blog ain’t dead yet.  Life support perhaps, but I’m still liable to show up here whenever you least expect it.

Fact of the matter is my American life is pretty much plain vanilla.  Which is to say, I’ve not been cursed to live in interesting times.  So, there’s that.

Had a nice weekend in DC over Labor Day with my old friends Duke and Ji Young.  It was nice hanging out, and I know Jee Yeun enjoyed having someone to share some Korea talk with again.  Although there was one incident in a hotel restroom.  No, no, not what your thinking.  Jee Yeun and Ji Young were chatting between the stalls, and some woman occupying another stall gave them the old “you’re in America, speak English” routine.  Ah well, sad people living sad empty lives are best ignored I suppose.

While in DC (actually, Sterling, VA) I played in a big dart tourney.  Lots of pros in attendance (including the top 3 U.S. players) so there was no illusion going in about winning any cash.  I made it out of the first round in both my events, so there’s that.  I wound up losing to the player ranked 40th, but I gave him a game of it, so I’ll take whatever satisfaction that gives.  Which isn’t a lot, but still, I always learn something about the game when I play against the best.

We travel back to Korea next month for a 90 day sojourn.  Jee Yeun’s fiancee visa has finally been approved, but of course it has to be issued from the American Embassy in Korea.

I’m looking forward to the change of pace of my Korea life.  Hell, who knows?  Maybe I’ll find something worthy of blogging while I’m there.

And so it goes.

…or so it seems.

…I’ve always struggled with the comma.  I pretty much use them when where and how I want.  Except when I don’t.

And don’t even get me started on semi-colons.

I’m constantly finding typos, bad punctuation, poor grammar, and other various and sundry errors in my writing.  Some of it is old fashioned laziness, sometimes it’s ignorance, but most often it’s a case of not typing what I’m thinking.  Thanks in advance for your indulgence.

Anyway, I came across the poster below and had to laugh because although I am well aware of the appropriate use of those words, I’m frequently dismayed that I’ll type “your” instead of “you’re” or “there” instead of “their”.   Which makes me appear dumber than a smart phone.  Which I suppose I am.

And yes, when I saw this I thought of Kevin Kim.

I’ve been playing at making my own demotivational posters.

There’s this:

Yeah, I won’t quit my day job.  Oh wait, I don’t have one!

So, one of my retirement projects has been to read every issue of LIFE magazine.  Yeah, I definitely have way to much time on my hands.  Anyway, I’ve worked my way through the first ten years, beginning with the November 23, 1936 issue.

It’s actually been a pretty fascinating journey.  The depression era heartaches, the massive government sponsored building projects, the rise of Hitler and Japan as war clouds gathered, the war that really could have gone either way (at least in the beginning when there was very little popular support for American involvement) the politics, and other interesting cultural insights into “the greatest generation.”

What I particularly enjoy is reading about these historical events in real time.  No one of course knew at that time where current events would lead.  But I did, and watching everything unfold, the blunders and mistakes and also the things we got right, is quite an enjoyable exercise.   The “what ifs” of 20th century history still reverberate today.

20-20 hindsight is a gift the leaders of the time did not possess, but it’s still fun to speculate on what might have been.  Hitler’s war aims could have been thwarted with courage and early intervention.  Perhaps war with Japan was inevitable, but with better preparation and foresight (i.e. a stronger defense of the Philippines),  the carnage in the Pacific could certainly have been lessened.  The Soviet Union’s domination of Eastern Europe could have been stopped if we had been willing to take a hard line stance.  Had we better supported the Nationalist army, it is likely China would not be Communist today.  And lord knows in hindsight we would never have allowed the Soviets to occupy Korea north of the arbitrarily drawn 38th parallel.

But I suppose we did the best we could given what was known at the time.  Looking at the past for insights into the future is always fraught with peril.  Nevertheless, as I read about the past I can’t help but overlay those events with what I see taking place in the world today.

Most disturbing to me is the rise of China, which in many ways reminds me of Imperial Japan in the 1930s.  The saber rattling and claims to territorial dominance (as in claims to control of the South China Sea) make me wonder if China might invoke Japan’s idea of a “greater Asia co-prosperity sphere” free of Western influence.

Similarly, in many ways Iran’s attempts to dominate the Middle East, it’s desire to attain nuclear capabilities, and it’s stated intent to destroy Israel, are reminiscent of the goals on Nazi Germany.

I can’t help but wonder how future events will unfold as American power (both economic and military) are waning under the inept leadership of our President and our corrupt political class.  Do we have the will the stand against evil that was demonstrated by our parents and grandparents?

I guess that question will be answered someday by some wag with nothing better to do than read periodicals from the early 21st century.

I took a little trip down Interstate 60 this afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed myself.  Oh, and I was riding my couch the whole way.

Yes, as surely you have guessed by now, I’m talking about the movie, not the highway.  Which doesn’t exist.  Well, the movie exists, but there’s no I-60.

The film is from 2002 but I’d never heard of it.  I’ve always enjoyed road trips and movies about road trips are maybe the next best thing.  Although actually now that I think about it, many movies in this genre are notoriously bad.  But Interstate 60 has Gary Oldman and he’s almost always good.  Plus, this one has a surreal alternative universe vibe going that keeps it interesting.

I enjoyed it anyway.  Maybe you will too.

Exclusive to LTG is this rare birthday photograph:

Ok, so maybe that’s not the Buddha after all.  But that’s definitely the body of a God!  Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful…

Eye, eye, eye.

I, I, I.

Immigration, Immigration, Insa-dong.

Started at the U.S. Embassy.  Told them I was an American in distress.  Explained the visa issues I’m having with Jee Yeun.  Told me they couldn’t help with that and suggested I go around the corner and talk to the Immigration Service.  Asked if I needed an appointment, was told “don’t know, not my department”.

Talked my way in to immigration and had the good fortune (or maybe misfortune, depending on the outcome) of talking to the agent who had denied Jee Yeun’s tourist visa application last year.  She has subsequently resubmitted with additional documentation.  It’s been over two weeks.  The agent said, “oh yeah, I’ve got that, just haven’t had a chance to look at it yet.”  He assured us he’d get right on it.

I said I didn’t want there to be any confusion because I had applied for a fiancee visa in January and still had not heard a word.  I didn’t want to create the appearance that we were trying to game the system.  We just want Jee Yeun to be able to visit the USA while the fiancee visa is pending.  He said he’d check on that too.

So, we’ll see.  Jee Yeun says she has a “good feeling”.  I, being wiser to the byzantine ways of government, am not to sure.

We left the embassy and cabbed to the Korean immigration office in Jongno where I got my passport stamped “extending my sojourn” in Korea through June 7.

Being as how it was now a little after 3:00 and our dinner engagement in Itaewon wasn’t until 5:30, we were in a bit of a “no man’s land” kind of bind.  Not really enough time to retreat back to our Gireum abode, far too early to start drinking in the ‘twon.  So, we hiked over to Insa-dong for a look around.

Jee Yeun professed hunger so we found a place where she could snack on mandu.  Then upstairs for some coffee and people watching.  I hadn’t accurately calculated the traffic our bus would encounter on the short trip to Itaewon, so we turned up a few minutes late for dinner.

And that is my tale of the I’s.

…in 10 minutes.  Give it a watch.

I thought of my blog buddy Kevin Kim when I saw this.

Hit random and enjoy a rather unique and creative comic.

Nothing to see here and nothing much to say.  Dinner in Myeong-dong Tuesday and I’ll venture out to Itaewon to chuck some darts later tonight.  And that’s about all there is to it.

Well, some Moroccan guy got busted for stealing I-phones from bar patrons in several locations.  I don’t imagine he’ll lose his hands over it, but rumor is he is here illegally so it will be back to the 13th century for him I suppose.

What else?  Planning a road trip in a couple of weeks.  Probably to the West Coast.  More on that as it happens.

Stay tuned.

So as I understand it, today is National Blogger Appreciation Day or something along those lines.  My, my, how far we have come.

I began reading blogs in earnest around the time of the 9/11 attacks.  I guess all of us were looking for some understanding about how and why things had gone so terribly wrong.  I found the insights, opinions, and analysis from some truly great thinkers to be so much more in depth and incisive than what I was finding in my daily rag (The Washington Post).

And it wasn’t long before I discovered something else–there’s a helleva lot of news that just doesn’t get reported by the mainstream media information gatekeepers.  I’d read the Post every morning during my long ass commute to D.C. and then go to the internet to get “the rest of the story”.  Now, I was not so naive as to believe that there was no liberal slant in news reportage, but I was shocked to discover how “news” was being shaped to fit a certain narrative.  And in most cases this “shaping” was accomplished by leaving contrary facts (inconvenient truths)  completely out of the story.

I guess this was the way things had always been, but bloggers have changed all that.  I don’t think it’s a coincidence that newspapers are losing subscribers and that many are on the verge of bankruptcy.   They’ve been exposed as frauds and agenda driven propagandists and as such have lost nearly all credibility.

Anyway, my point is that blogging (serious blogging, unlike what you find here at LTG) has moved beyond mere commentary and opinion.  More and more I’m seeing the MSM beaten out on major stories by blogging journalists.  This is a great thing for democracy and scares the hell out of repressive regimes around the globe who can no longer easily control what information will be consumed by the masses.

Geez, I didn’t mean to go off on such a rant.  What I really wanted to do was throw some appreciation out to the bloggers I read everyday.  So, in no particular order here goes:

Big Hominid’s Hairy Chasms.  Kevin Kim is one of the smartest people I’ve never met.  His blog is generally apolitical, but his insights on a wide range of topics have got me thinking about subjects that I would never have otherwise considered.  It helps that he’s a great writer with a wicked sense of humor as well.

Instapundit.  The Blogfather.  One of the most widely read blogs on ‘net.  Glenn Reynolds is a libertarian who leans right on foreign and domestic policy and left on social issues.  His links are always carrying me off to interesting stories in places I might not have otherwise traveled.  Or as Glenn might say: “Good stuff.”  “Heh.”

Althouse.  Ann Althouse is a law professor at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, one of the most liberal cities in America.  She steadfastly refuses to be categorized politically.  She voted for Obama (I think I’ve forgiven her that) but leans right on most domestic issues, and left on social issues.  She’s a Feminist in the truest sense of the word and often battles with those who demean women by insisting they need special protections in the work place and society.  Her blog is often political, but it is also a nice mix of the personal (she married one of her frequent commenters), pop culture and stuff she finds interesting.  And I usually do too.

PowerLine. A group blog that brings a view of the world from a decidedly conservative perspective.  Sometimes the writers disagree on issues (like viable Republican presidential candidates) but they are always insightful, honest, and respectful (I have a hard time with similar blogs from the left, because it is usually just name calling and insults versus reasoned commentary).  These guys are Republican party insiders and that perspective is sometimes quite revealing.  They also have guest writers like Stephen Hunter who knows about Hollywood and movies, his books, and other popular culture stuff.  They are big music lovers, so you get some good stuff on lesser known musicians (or stuff you didn’t know about well known acts).  Oh yeah, the like to post photos from the Miss World beauty pageants as well.

ROKDrop.  This is my favorite Korea-centric blog.  Always something of interest here, often from a military perspective, but just as often about the joys and hassles of living in Korea from an outsiders perspective.  Great photos, great links, and excellent interaction in the comments section.

Thanks to all of you for helping me fill the hours and my mind with some great reads.

And so ends another long ass post that will likely go unread.  Such is the life of a blogger.  I’ve been at it for going on 7 years, so I guess it is still filling some need in me.  Folks who happen along for a looksee are frosting on the cake.  Thanks to both of you!

So, I am walking through a small Southern town on my way somewhere, in no particular hurry, but still moving along purposefully as people are wont to do if for no other reason than force of habit.  Now, in this town there had recently been completed a mural painting covering a small city block of buildings.  The art work depicted scenes of the town’s history, focusing on the contributions of the African-American community.  I gave it an admiring glance from a distance as I passed by, but didn’t really break my pace.

As I reached the end of the block I encountered a small old black man sitting on his porch step.  He was well dressed in a black suit and tie and was giving me a knowing smile as I approached.  “That’s really somethin’, ain’t it?” he asked, gesturing towards the mural.  Somewhat startled, I paused and glanced back across the street and replied “it certainly is”. He proceeded to share some of the details about how the mural came to be and I politely nodded as he spoke.  After a while, he paused while we both admired the painting.  And then I said “this sure is some fine weather we’re having, isn’t it?”

The old man laughed and said “that’s some attention span you got there son.  Before you lies the tale of how this town came to be, the drama and suffering, the joy and sorrow, and you stand there and want to talk about the weather?”  I half smiled in shame and said, “yeah, you’re right.  Sometimes we just don’t appreciate the past even when it’s staring right back at us.”  He grinned and said, “okay then, whaddaya say me and you go take a closer look?”  Really having nothing better to do and wanting to make some amends for my insensitivity on the subject I agreed to join him.

And you know what, close up it was all the more impressive.  I was astonished by the intricate details that are missed with a mere casual glance and was impressed by the artistic talent required to capture the human emotions from a long and tragic past.  I told the old man that I had viewed paintings by the Dutch Masters in Amsterdam, but I thought this paint on bricks was every bit as good.  He gave me a satisfied smile and then introduced me to several members of his family who were standing about.  One of them brought out a big pitcher of sweet iced tea and we all set curbside and I listened while they told stories about the triumphs and sorrows in the history of their extended family.

After awhile the old man said “son, why don’t you take a ride with me out to the old homestead for a look around.  It ain’t far and I think you’ll enjoy seeing what you never get the opportunity to see”.  Well, why not I decided and we were soon off in his big old 1970s vintage luxury vehicle from Detroit.

The old man was unusually quiet on the drive and I sensed in his demeanor that his mood had changed.  We were deep into unfamiliar countryside when he finally spoke to me in a low cold voice “I should just pull over and drop you off right here”.  I was startled by the stark hatred in his words but managed to ask him why he would want to do such a thing.  He responded “because that’s exactly the kind of thing that’s been happening to my people here for hundreds of years”.  I couldn’t believe how this friendly old man had so quickly become so very furious.  “But what has that got to do with me?” I asked plaintively.

“Everything” was all he said and he continued to drive deeper into the backwoods.  After what seemed like a long silence he said in a calm but menacing way “So, I don’t suppose you feel like you have any responsibility for the past?”.  I responded that I was sorry things happened the way they did, but it wasn’t my doing.  I told him I had always tried to live a life where I judged people on character, not color.  And I had never done anything to harm anyone.

“So, you don’t believe in reparations, huh?  Not surprised, none of you do.  It’s always someone else’s responsibility with you people.  Well, I don’t see it that way”.

He pulled the car off the road and parked behind an old abandoned homestead.  Before I could make a move for the door, he had a pistol pressed firmly against my belly.  I could feel the cold of the steel barrel through my shirt.  I screamed, “what the fuck!  Are you going to kill me?”

In an almost sad voice he said matter-of-factly “that’s exactly what I’m going to do”.

A million thoughts raced through my mind at that point, the primary one being that I didn’t want to die this way.  I wanted to beg, plead, and try to reason with the crazy old man, but words wouldn’t come.  The he took the barrel of the pistol and pointed it directly at my crotch.  I yelled “NOOOO!”

And then I woke up.

Pretty fuckin’ weird, huh?

This is the plane that carried me to Korea for the first time in January 2005.  Tomorrow morning I’ll be flying back on a KAL 777.  I’m looking forward to hanging out in all the old familiar haunts and spending time with the friends I made Korea.  But it is not without sadness that I bid farewell to my family here.  It’s no easy thing living life with one foot in one country and the other in another.  But really I wouldn’t want it any other way.  It’s good to change your point of view every now again.  And really, who wants to lead a boring life?