QuoteSelling South Korea: No 'sparkling' brand image
Word association games are easier with some places than others.
Japan: sushi, cherry blossom and Mount Fuji. America: hamburgers and Hollywood. Paris: romance, croissants and the Eiffel Tower.
Now try with South Korea. If you are struggling to get past economic powerhouse and computer chips, you are not alone.
South Korea's government has been trying to change the country's international image - or rather its lack of one - for years.
And even those involved - like Peter Kim, brand manager for the Seoul government - admit it has been a tough sell.
"We're among the world's 13 largest economies," he said. "But we still don't have our own unique brand."
Partly, he said, that is because for the past 50 years, South Korea has been focused on building the country, not marketing it.
But now it is starting to think about its national brand, it is facing some unique challenges.
'Two Koreas'
"It's hard, because we share the name 'Korea' with North Korea,'' said Cho Hyun-jin, from the president's foreign media team. ''And there are still many people in the world who don't even realise there are two Koreas.''
Manchester United's South Korean mid fielder Park Ji-Sung at Old Trafford in Manchester, on 14 January, 2012 South Korean footballer Park Ji-sung is a Manchester United mid fielder
North Korea - led until last month by Kim Jong-il - is a country associated with food shortages, political repression and an ongoing nuclear weapons programme - issues that help make it a regular feature on global news channels.
"Do you know who the most famous Korean is?" one senior marketing official said gloomily over coffee one morning. "It's Kim Jong-il. That's what we're dealing with in branding this country."
But some officials, like Mr Cho, believe the country's image has been tarnished by the culture of its allies too. In particular, a popular American television drama set during the Korean War called M*A*S*H*.
"Many people think Britain has the best intelligence agency just because of James Bond," Mr Cho explained. "In M*A*S*H* Korea was portrayed as worn-down, third-world: a hopeless country."
That image was not helped by decades of violent demonstrations, coups and military dictatorship, as the country made its way to democracy.
Public makeover
Now, said Mr Cho, things have changed.
"There's been a major image shift. Now it's Samsung products, Korean pop bands, and [the Manchester United footballer] Park Ji-sung."
And there has been a public makeover to match.
Over the past few years, a flurry of marketing campaigns describing South Korea - and its capital city, Seoul - as "sparkling", "dynamic", "infinitely yours" and the "Soul of Asia" have appeared on billboards and TV channels around the world.
A new Presidential Council on Nation Branding has been created.
And the Seoul city government has ploughed in almost $100m (£64m) over the past few years to promote the nation's capital abroad.
But despite the extensive advertising campaigns, South Korea still seems to have a much weaker national image than many other countries, at least outside Asia.
Dr Charlotte Horlyck, a specialist in Korean art history at London's School of Oriental and African Studies, said the marketing is often unsuccessful because there is no clear message.
"There are too many conflicting images which keep changing all the time, as governments and policies change," she said. "So there's no consistent image that people conjure up in their minds when they think about Korea."
Take the slogan "Korea, Sparkling".
"It doesn't make any sense because it's not easy to interpret - what is sparkling? Is it the people? The springs? The brand has to be very easy to understand," she said.
Mr Cho agrees that there needs to be more co-ordination between South Korea's different marketing agencies.
"We need to be more selective in what we're going to sell out of Korea," he said. "And more strategic in promoting it."
'Let people decide'
In fact, branding often works best when consumers themselves decide what's iconic, said a senior marketing official at one of South Korea's most recognised international companies.
People walk by a billboard of Samsung Electronics Galaxy Note at a subway station in Seoul, South Korea, on 6 January, 2012 Branding work best when consumers decide what is iconic, experts say
Fiona Bae, deputy PR manager at Hyundai Capital & Hyundai Card, said people respond when they are offered access to a new culture, not told what to like about it.
Hyundai Card recently worked with New York's Museum of Modern Art to put together a collection of new Korean designers.
"What we found very interesting was that the products the MoMA people picked weren't necessarily things we would have picked,'' she said. ''That's one key thing we learned about branding Korea: let people outside Korea decide for themselves what they like.''
But according to one insider, the slogans and images for at least one recent government-funded campaign were chosen by a handful of South Korean experts - most of them male, and all of them over 40. Foreign consumers were only asked their opinion after the decision had been made, he said.
To be fair, many of South Korea's campaigns to date have been primarily about attracting tourists, for example, rather than the wider issue of national image.
And according to brand policy advisor Simon Anholt, that is all you can hope for. National branding itself, he said, is doomed to failure from the start.
You can advertise your country to tourists, he said, but not actively 'brand' it. ''Branding is something that happens in the consumer's mind."
'Turning point'
Mr Anholt's company publishes a global index of national brands each year. That survey showed that people largely do not change their minds about other countries and if they do, they do so very slowly.
''National image is not created - or much affected by - the media," he said.
And yet, South Korea has gradually been creeping up his index from its original place near the bottom of the list.
"Korea's image is improving, because Korea is improving," he said. "It's getting richer and more confident."
"It's also starting to understand that reputation is something you earn, not something you construct. It's started doing things, rather than saying things," he added.
Nothing, perhaps, illustrates that theory better than the G20 summit, held in Seoul in 2010.
The Presidential Council on Nation Branding said that the summit increased awareness of South Korea by almost 17%, and "likeability" by around 3.5% - making it one of the country's most successful 'marketing' events.
"The G20 was a turning point," said Mr Cho. "Korea moved from being a follower of the international agenda to being an agenda-setter. We're part of it now."
Mr Anholt agreed. "My only criticism is that they're still constantly publicizing the fact they want a better image,'' he said.
''The first rule of propaganda is that, if you're going to do a number on people, uyou shouldn't warn them yo're it."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16713919
I found this rather interesting as I've long thought the same myself. China and Japan have always appealed to me
(especially Japan). Korea however....not at all. Just what is Korea?
It doesn't really have iconic stuff like ninjas, samurai, shaolin monks, pandas, etc...
About all that comes to mind for me are their stupid 'first ironclad evaaaa!!111' turtle ships but...meh.
Is it really that bad? SK's image in HK is very positive. Samsung makes some of the best electronic stuff. Kimchi is good. K-pop is cool. Korean cosmetics are beloved by the ladies. TV networks buy Korean drama and broadcast them during prime time. Korean stars appear in the news almost every day. Tickets to Seoul are hard to get because so many people are going there. HKers cheer for the SK football them when they play anybody except HK and China (because they are fellow Asians who have never won anything).
What do I think of when I hear the words "South Korea"? Ide's former girlfriend, Reverend Moon, Dog Soup, Yi, Japan's Mexico and hermits. I suppose that's not the most positive set of images.
South Korea: impending armageddon with N. Korea, plastic surgery, soap operas and K-pop, kimchi
I suppose the Koreans ought to live it up. When the North Korean state finally fails it'll be hell incorporating 25 million hungry peasants into the new state. Germany still has problems with bring the Eastern territories up to speed. Korea will but much, much worse.
What I think of: Fat chicks.
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 31, 2012, 07:36:11 PM
What I think of: Fat chicks.
That's unfortunate. And sort of unfair, since that image is most likely formed by Korean-American Chicks, not actual the Koreans in Korea.
I guess that proves that they do need better PR.
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 31, 2012, 07:36:11 PM
What I think of: Fat chicks.
:blink: Most Koreans we saw in Seoul were thin. In fact I was always the only one who was obese :sleep:
Quote from: Monoriu on January 31, 2012, 07:23:44 PM
Is it really that bad? SK's image in HK is very positive. Samsung makes some of the best electronic stuff. Kimchi is good. K-pop is cool. Korean cosmetics are beloved by the ladies. TV networks buy Korean drama and broadcast them during prime time. Korean stars appear in the news almost every day. Tickets to Seoul are hard to get because so many people are going there. HKers cheer for the SK football them when they play anybody except HK and China (because they are fellow Asians who have never won anything).
In Japan too Korea is considered very very cool at the moment. It seems to be quite the trend in East Asia in general. Outside of the area where k-pop and drama is known however....
And of course k-pop/k-drama...its just they happen to do good (for the plebs) stuff at the moment. It isn't really quintessentially Korean.
What I think of: Remo Williams :lol:
Ironically, the racist Korean martial arts master in that movie is Joel Grey, who knows no martial arts and is actually Jewish, not asian. His daughter is Jennifer Grey from Ferris Bueller and Dirty Dancing.
There's a criminal element of highly placed Koreans within the sacred isles that is trying to manufacture an extremely artificial "Korean wave." Korean sovereignty is a failed experiment.
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 31, 2012, 08:04:11 PM
There's a criminal element of highly placed Koreans within the sacred isles that is trying to manufacture an extremely artificial "Korean wave." Korean sovereignty is a failed experiment.
:lol:
Someone has been reading Japanese nationalist blogs.
The Korean wave is not artificial.
Are you accusing the net uyo of lying? As expected of a foreigner!
Quote from: TyrKorea- Too boring
Concur.
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 31, 2012, 07:36:11 PM
What I think of: Fat chicks.
Concur.
I heard some guy picked her up on the rebound. Or were they together before you were apart?
Quote from: Razgovory on January 31, 2012, 10:19:55 PM
I heard some guy picked her up on the rebound. Or were they together before you were apart?
I heard you were a piece of shit that is of absolutely no use to anyone on this Earth.
Your own mother tried and failed to get as far away from your putrid fat ass.
Even your cats are retarded.
Thank you, Z. But he is correct on both counts. In addition to being correct, of course, Raz an asshole.
That said, I need to let this shit go. It's good for one-liners, but Korea can have her life. I no longer wish her any ill will. If conditions change, perhaps I can even be friends with them again. I just hope she hasn't lost substantial weight (I narrowly avoided meeting her today, otherwise I could tell you), because then I'll be pissed.
Edit: nevermind, TMI oh noes.
Quote from: Zoupa on January 31, 2012, 10:30:08 PM
I heard you were a piece of shit that is of absolutely no use to anyone on this Earth.
Your own mother tried and failed to get as far away from your putrid fat ass.
Even your cats are retarded.
:wub:
I think of Starcraft tournaments and interesting movies (Thirst, Story of the Matchbox Girl, 2009 - Lost Memories, Brotherhood . . . )
And maybe... OLDBOY, HMMM? :angry:
Quote from: Zoupa on January 31, 2012, 10:30:08 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on January 31, 2012, 10:19:55 PM
I heard some guy picked her up on the rebound. Or were they together before you were apart?
I heard you were a piece of shit that is of absolutely no use to anyone on this Earth.
Your own mother tried and failed to get as far away from your putrid fat ass.
Even your cats are retarded.
Who has been reading my mail! :mad:
Quote from: Ideologue on January 31, 2012, 10:43:56 PM
Thank you, Z. But he is correct on both counts. In addition to being correct, of course, Raz an asshole.
That said, I need to let this shit go. It's good for one-liners, but Korea can have her life. I no longer wish her any ill will. If conditions change, perhaps I can even be friends with them again. I just hope she hasn't lost substantial weight (I narrowly avoided meeting her today, otherwise I could tell you), because then I'll be pissed.
Edit: nevermind, TMI oh noes.
Well, thing is, I liked Korea independent of you. She seemed nice. Perhaps a little on the crazy side, but then so are you.
Before ending it all, Raz, don't forget to take responsibility. Your cats shouldn't be party to your misfortune- it is up to you to find a nice home for them first.
Cats are lovely.
Quote from: Lettow77 on January 31, 2012, 11:27:41 PM
Before ending it all, Raz, don't forget to take responsibility. Your cats shouldn't be party to your misfortune- it is up to you to find a nice home for them first.
Cats are lovely.
My cats will be buried with me like the Pharaohs of old. I also want those little clay servants to carry my stuff.
Quote from: Razgovory on January 31, 2012, 11:26:29 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on January 31, 2012, 10:43:56 PM
Thank you, Z. But he is correct on both counts. In addition to being correct, of course, Raz an asshole.
That said, I need to let this shit go. It's good for one-liners, but Korea can have her life. I no longer wish her any ill will. If conditions change, perhaps I can even be friends with them again. I just hope she hasn't lost substantial weight (I narrowly avoided meeting her today, otherwise I could tell you), because then I'll be pissed.
Edit: nevermind, TMI oh noes.
Well, thing is, I liked Korea independent of you. She seemed nice. Perhaps a little on the crazy side, but then so are you.
Count me in the Ideologue faction. :showoff:
:hug:
Quote from: Jacob on January 31, 2012, 07:41:47 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 31, 2012, 07:36:11 PM
What I think of: Fat chicks.
That's unfortunate. And sort of unfair, since that image is most likely formed by Korean-American Chicks, not actual the Koreans in Korea.
I guess that proves that they do need better PR.
Certainly better nutrition.
Quote from: Syt on January 31, 2012, 11:06:47 PM
I think of Starcraft tournaments
:yes:
The words that came to mind: South Korea- zerg rush kekeke.
Quote from: Ideologue on January 31, 2012, 10:43:56 PM
I no longer wish her any ill will.
Then you're passing on a lifetime of entertainment. I'm still grudging on chicks from 20 years ago. Why? BECAUSE THE HATE KEEPS ME WARM AT NIGHT
No that is the night sweats from the astronomical HBP.
It's a requirement for making my own fusion. It's what keeps me going.
Quote from: Tyr on January 31, 2012, 07:15:26 PM
Selling South Korea: No 'sparkling' brand image
Word association games are easier with some places than others.
Japan: sushi, cherry blossom and Mount Fuji. America: hamburgers and Hollywood. Paris: romance, croissants and the Eiffel Tower.
Now try with South Korea. If you are struggling to get past economic powerhouse and computer chips, you are not alone.
I do not have this problem. :sleep:
What about "kekekekeke"?
Anyways, my serious answer.
There are a lot of great things about Korea, and a lot of bad things about it just like any other country. I choose to live here, so obviously the good things take precedent for me. But I think that for many Westerners the bad things would really stick out to them if they knew about them, so maybe the Koreans should be happy that they haven't been typecast.
Also, I now have a Korean girlfriend.
:o
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 01, 2012, 08:20:55 AM
Also, I now have a Korean girlfriend.
:o / :cheers:
How'd that happen then?
Our little Timmy is all groweds up. :weep:
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 01, 2012, 08:20:55 AM
Also, I now have a Korean girlfriend.
I hope she smacks you around like a ROK NCO.
I hope she pounds him with a strap on and donkey punches him.
It's a Korean girl and Timmay. They would be married for a decade before they tried sex.
She with someone else.
Quote from: PDH on February 01, 2012, 09:34:04 AM
It's a Korean girl and Timmay. They would be married for a decade before they tried sex.
.
No sex?
So not a girlfriend afterall. :(
She probably drags him to her church though.
Korean chicks are a very tough lay because they live with their parents until they get married.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 01, 2012, 09:44:09 AM
Korean chicks are a very tough lay because they live with their parents until they get married.
Don't they have love hotels in Korea?
Quote from: Jacob on February 01, 2012, 10:19:31 AM
Don't they have love hotels in Korea?
They have yogwans, which are like motels. No fancy Disney castles with the automated condom dispensers like in Japan.
Still a very tough play.
Korea? K-Pop, Blizzardfandom & Hitler restaurants.
South Korea...
UWO - Uncharted Waters Online - designed in Japan but the global server is managed by a SKorean firm. A greedier, grubbier gaggle of crooks I've rarely seen. No customer service to speak of, secretive in the extreme and they're up to any trick to squeeze money out of the player base. <_<
G.
Have a care, tim. It's only a matter of time before she demands compensation and rowdy koreans swarm the U.S embassy because of your alleged crimes.
Korea - cheap cars.
Quote from: DontSayBanana on February 01, 2012, 03:37:41 PM
Korea - cheap cars.
Don't be busting on Hyundai: in the event of a catastrophic event upon the electrical grid, those 800kV transformers that feed our cities? Hyundai's one of the only places to get them, because they're no longer made in America.
And since Hyundai possesses
force majeure, in the event of a multi-grid failure Hyundai can sell them to the highest bidding power company. So tack on the 3 months it'll take to ship them here on top of how bad your local electrical company lost in the bidding, and has to call Siemens instead to construct one from scratch, because they don't exactly maintain an inventory, either.
Ugh. Shouldn't building transformers that be, like, subsidized under national defense or something?
Remember when America was prepared to recover from a nuclear war? What happened?
Quote from: Ideologue on February 01, 2012, 03:46:53 PM
Ugh. Shouldn't building transformers that be, like, subsidized under national defense or something?
Remember when America was prepared to recover from a nuclear war? What happened?
Cheaper to get them overseas. That way, we don't have to worry about things like EPA and unions, Yi will be happy to know.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 01, 2012, 03:46:53 PM
Ugh. Shouldn't building transformers that be, like, subsidized under national defense or something?
Remember when America was prepared to recover from a nuclear war? What happened?
the commies lost and you decided you'd rather pay less for shit.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 01, 2012, 03:48:05 PM
Cheaper to get them overseas. That way, we don't have to worry about things like EPA and unions, Yi will be happy to know.
Korean labor is pretty heavily unionized.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 01, 2012, 03:57:39 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 01, 2012, 03:48:05 PM
Cheaper to get them overseas. That way, we don't have to worry about things like EPA and unions, Yi will be happy to know.
Korean labor is pretty heavily unionized.
Nobody gives a kimchee fuck, since Korean labor doesn't pay political contributions to the DNC.
Yet. :ph34r:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 01, 2012, 03:57:39 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 01, 2012, 03:48:05 PM
Cheaper to get them overseas. That way, we don't have to worry about things like EPA and unions, Yi will be happy to know.
Korean labor is pretty heavily unionized.
That happens when you join the first world.
Raz, be careful what you say. If heavy unionization is part-and-parcel with first world membership, it says ominous things about our beloved Dixie.
Quote from: Lettow77 on February 01, 2012, 04:11:17 PM
Raz, be careful what you say. If heavy unionization is part-and-parcel with first world membership, it says ominous things about our beloved Dixie.
Don't worry. Dixie will never be first world. The South is the North's Mexico.
Why can't we be the North's Tohoku instead?
It's not that your reply wasn't anticipated, but you really must defend the South. There is a proud tradition of Southerners with mental instabilities to which you can belong, if you but grasp the basic tenet of commonality and clannish defensiveness.
I don't know what you mean by Tohuku. I don't consider myself southern. I'm Midwestern. Missouri didn't even join the South. It was invaded by the South though, and the
Southerners looted, raped and murdered their way through the state before coming in contact with a real army and having the shit kicked out of them. The Southerners might have
made a better escape if they were so concerned with carrying away as much ill gotten goods as possible.
Mew
All my posts look like some kind of Modernist poem now. I can't get the damn thing to format on its own.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 01, 2012, 08:20:55 AM
Also, I now have a Korean girlfriend.
:cheers:
Awesome!
Did you just meet her after getting back from vacation, or did you know her from before?
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 02, 2012, 02:09:34 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 01, 2012, 08:20:55 AM
Also, I now have a Korean girlfriend.
:cheers:
Awesome!
Did you just meet her after getting back from vacation, or did you know her from before?
After, signed up on korean cupid after I got back. Went on one date so far, have scheduled another. Maybe a little premature to call her my girlfriend, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to stir the pot here.
Is she submissive?
Is she hott?
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 02, 2012, 04:48:55 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 02, 2012, 02:09:34 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 01, 2012, 08:20:55 AM
Also, I now have a Korean girlfriend.
:cheers:
Awesome!
Did you just meet her after getting back from vacation, or did you know her from before?
After, signed up on korean cupid after I got back. Went on one date so far, have scheduled another. Maybe a little premature to call her my girlfriend, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to stir the pot here.
Nice. :)
Good luck, and keep us/me updated.
Quote from: Caliga on February 02, 2012, 07:37:16 AM
Is she hott?
She's Korean.
Of course she is.
That's like asking if water is wet.
I've seen ugly Korean chicks. One nice thing about Koreans though, in my experience, is that they tend to have bigger tits than most Asians. :)
Korean chicks are just chubby Filippinos with slantier eyes.
Fucking yellow fever sickos. What is it with those short ass legs and flat faces?
Quote from: The Brain on February 02, 2012, 08:02:01 AM
Fucking yellow fever sickos. What is it with those short ass legs and flat faces?
They have kitty cat eyes that look awesome during oral sex. Squee.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 02, 2012, 07:52:43 AM
Korean chicks are just chubby Filippinos with slantier eyes.
Aren't Koreans tall?
Fillipinas are midgets.
QuoteI've seen ugly Korean chicks. One nice thing about Koreans though, in my experience, is that they tend to have bigger tits than most Asians. :)
I knew it, I'm in the wrong bloody country.
Quote from: Caliga on February 02, 2012, 07:48:42 AM
I've seen ugly Korean chicks. One nice thing about Koreans though, in my experience, is that they tend to have bigger tits than most Asians. :)
Not really. What makes the Koreans different, is that they openly embrace plastic surgeries.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 02, 2012, 08:10:37 AM
Quote from: The Brain on February 02, 2012, 08:02:01 AM
Fucking yellow fever sickos. What is it with those short ass legs and flat faces?
They have kitty cat eyes that look awesome during oral sex. Squee.
Needlessly expensive substitute.
Quote from: Monoriu on February 02, 2012, 08:30:45 AM
Quote from: Caliga on February 02, 2012, 07:48:42 AM
I've seen ugly Korean chicks. One nice thing about Koreans though, in my experience, is that they tend to have bigger tits than most Asians. :)
Not really. What makes the Koreans different, is that they openly embrace plastic surgeries.
They should openly embrace the PX90 workout.
Quote from: The Brain on February 02, 2012, 08:02:01 AM
Fucking yellow fever sickos. What is it with those short ass legs and flat faces?
Sometimes, I just don't get you.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 03:53:16 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 02, 2012, 08:02:01 AM
Fucking yellow fever sickos. What is it with those short ass legs and flat faces?
Sometimes, I just don't get you.
Pretty funny coming from The Brain, who digs on things with short ass legs and flat faces, like Pugs.
I mostly play with buddies.
Quote from: The Brain on February 02, 2012, 08:02:01 AM
Fucking yellow fever sickos. What is it with those short ass legs and flat faces?
I wouldn't say I have yellow fever, I much prefer Filipinos to Koreans, and they're not exactly yellow with flat faces or chests.
I will defend Koreans by saying that most have amazingly long legs.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 02, 2012, 06:11:21 PM
I much prefer Filipinos to Koreans,
Ewww. They're like the Mexicans of Asia, dude.
Filipinas are an evil breed, even worse than Koreans.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 06:55:47 PM
Filipinas are an evil breed, even worse than Koreans.
I used to laugh when sailors would come back with an flip wife. Horrible, screechy cunts.*
Should have left them at the bar.
* Sample size=2
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 06:55:47 PM
Filipinas are an evil breed, even worse than Koreans.
I've been to the Philippines, it's like a lovable English speaking Mexico.
Actually, given that both my bad experiences involved half-breeds with American fathers, maybe I should look at what they had in common:
White people are the problem. When I say it out loud, it seems obvious.
Tim! I'm coming to Asia!
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 07:24:06 PM
Actually, given that both my bad experiences involved half-breeds with American fathers, maybe I should look at what they had in common:
White people are the problem. When I say it out loud, it seems obvious.
Tim! I'm coming to Asia!
Here you go, you should be able to get a job easily.
http://www.eslcafe.com/
EDIT: Wait, do you have felony convictions or just misdemeanors?
Just misdemeanors!
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 07:49:58 PM
Just misdemeanors!
Well, then I don't think they'll be an insurmountable disadvantage then. How many and how long ago?
Ten years ago in March, except for the public disorderly conduct from three years ago in April. It involved speaking colloquial English, and the use of idiom. :)
DUI is thirteen years old. Records inaccessible by computer: the only way anyone would know is going to a courthouse in rural South Carolina and spending an hour or two (sigh) manually going through the records. Guess what? I ain't reporting that to anyone of less stature than the highest court in an American jurisdiction anymore.
QuoteAll applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications and requirements:
1. Native English Speaker Check
2. Passport from the UK, USA, NZ, AUS, CAN, RSA or Ireland. Can do
3. Bachelor's Degree o[r] Higher OR an Associate's Degree with a TEFL/TESOL Certificate Ha ha ha ha... yes
4. One-Year Commitment Wait, the cats
5. Criminal Background Check (upon offer of employment) But what about the cats?
How does one ship cats to the RoC?
In a meat truck.
OK, I've figured it out, I just pay my sister to take care of them for a year.
That would so crack me up if I ran into Korean a couple years down the road that spoke English like Gomer Pyle.
To me, perhaps you're the one with the stupid accent. :angry:
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 08:29:54 PM
To me, perhaps you're the one with the stupid accent. :angry:
Can't argue with 3,000 local news anchors. :contract:
You'll never get in, Ide. With a law degree, they'll have no choice but to assume that you're trying to get into the country in order to fuck their schoolgirls.
Quote from: Neil on February 02, 2012, 08:32:00 PM
You'll never get in, Ide. With a law degree, they'll have no choice but to assume that you're trying to get into the country in order to fuck their schoolgirls.
They'd be right, but Asians are clearly somewhat ignorant of our rapid decline; that's why they want to learn English. Besides, I'll spin it that I want to see the world (have sex with foreigners) and build up cultural experience that I can use in practice in California, working with companies that contract with Asian suppliers (if they're dumb enough to buy this, the sky is literally the limit, to the extent that they probably can't tell the difference between USC [SoCal] and USC [Carolina], and I can probably say I'm on a year-long deferral).
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 08:06:17 PM
Ten years ago in March, except for the public disorderly conduct from three years ago in April. It involved speaking colloquial English, and the use of idiom. :)
DUI is thirteen years old. Records inaccessible by computer: the only way anyone would know is going to a courthouse in rural South Carolina and spending an hour or two (sigh) manually going through the records. Guess what? I ain't reporting that to anyone of less stature than the highest court in an American jurisdiction anymore.
I have one (1) speeding ticket from about ten years ago. Nothing else ever stuck. :)
Pleading insanity probably works a whole lot more often when you actually are.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 08:06:17 PM
Ten years ago in March, except for the public disorderly conduct from three years ago in April. It involved speaking colloquial English, and the use of idiom. :)
DUI is thirteen years old. Records inaccessible by computer: the only way anyone would know is going to a courthouse in rural South Carolina and spending an hour or two (sigh) manually going through the records. Guess what? I ain't reporting that to anyone of less stature than the highest court in an American jurisdiction anymore.
It won't show up on an FBI check though?
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 08:29:54 PM
To me, perhaps you're the one with the stupid accent. :angry:
Oh, crap. Totally forgot about. A lot of these places do phone or skype interviews.
You'll never pass if your southern accent is too strong. :(
The whole point for an Asian to learn English is to be perceived as an intelligent citizens of the world and worthy memebrs of the elite. It's hard to do that when the Southern accent is universally associated with gross idiocy.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 02, 2012, 10:50:32 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 08:29:54 PM
To me, perhaps you're the one with the stupid accent. :angry:
Oh, crap. Totally forgot about. A lot of these places do phone or skype interviews.
You'll never pass if your southern accent is too strong. :(
I managed.
I know a Glaswegian even who got through the Jet application process and Jet is probably the best.
Quote from: Neil on February 02, 2012, 10:55:05 PM
The whole point for an Asian to learn English is to be perceived as an intelligent citizens of the world and worthy memebrs of the elite. It's hard to do that when the Southern accent is universally associated with gross idiocy.
I can neutralize it with some effort, although they did let Tim in, and honestly I don't know why anyone would want to sound like someone from Massachusetts.
Southern accent being an obstacle to the JET program is something I hadn't considered.
I bet i'll do fine, though. I grew up in the big city.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 03, 2012, 12:56:44 AM
I can neutralize it with some effort, although they did let Tim in, and honestly I don't know why anyone would want to sound like someone from Massachusetts.
Tim doesn't have that heavy of a New England accent. You can tell he's from up there, but it's not immediately obvious when he first says something.
Nobody can place my accent. Even people who live here, think I've from some place different. It's weird.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 02, 2012, 08:28:41 PM
That would so crack me up if I ran into Korean a couple years down the road that spoke English like Gomer Pyle.
I so want to teach a generation of Japanese businessmen to speak English with a Dundalk accent.
Quote from: Razgovory on February 03, 2012, 06:50:40 AM
Nobody can place my accent. Even people who live here, think I've from some place different. It's weird.
I worked very hard growing up to make sure nobody can tell where I hail from; when I tell people I'm from Baltimore, they think I'm a transplant, because I pronounce it "Baltimore", not "Bawlmer, hon."
Yeah, you don't have a local accent.
Quote from: Caliga on February 03, 2012, 07:43:42 AM
Yeah, you don't have a local accent.
And I mean to keep it that way.
People actually think I'm from closer to New York, but that might be because of all the profanity.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 07:49:58 PM
Just misdemeanors!
China doesn't give a fuck. :)
One of my coworkers got busted for pot possession in NY a year or so before going to teach in China.
Just don't mention Tibet. :ph34r:
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 03, 2012, 09:13:35 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 07:49:58 PM
Just misdemeanors!
China doesn't give a fuck. :)
One of my coworkers got busted for pot possession in NY a year or so before going to teach in China.
Just don't mention Tibet. :ph34r:
I don't think the mainland is for me, in that I'm 99% sure I'd be dead before the end of my contract. At the very least, I'd need a new handle here to disassociate myself from my numerous statements against the PRC. Mono would probably sell me out for a new pair of shoes though.
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 02, 2012, 07:37:45 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 02, 2012, 04:48:55 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 02, 2012, 02:09:34 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 01, 2012, 08:20:55 AM
Also, I now have a Korean girlfriend.
:cheers:
Awesome!
Did you just meet her after getting back from vacation, or did you know her from before?
After, signed up on korean cupid after I got back. Went on one date so far, have scheduled another. Maybe a little premature to call her my girlfriend, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to stir the pot here.
Nice. :)
Good luck, and keep us/me updated.
Currently going down in flames.
Apparently 1-1.5 hours of talking a day on days we don't meet is not enough for her.
Also, she thinks I'm cold and curt.
Sounds suffocating. You're probably better off.
Come to Georgia instead. Between presidential elections in Russia, (newly-important) parliamentary elections here, and double-dipping Euro economic contagion, this year will be exciting.
Dude, you live in Georgia? Has this ever come up before?
Those things are never on your mind.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 09, 2012, 09:29:12 AM
Apparently 1-1.5 hours of talking a day on days we don't meet is not enough for her.
Also, she thinks I'm cold and curt.
lol, that's awesome.
Quote from: The Brain on February 09, 2012, 01:44:14 PM
Those things are never on your mind.
You're always on my mind.
Maybe Willie Nelson.
Jinx, Yi.
Why Willie?
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 09, 2012, 02:15:29 PM
Jinx, Yi.
Jinx comes off when you say the person's name.
EPIC FAIL
:lol:
Quote from: The Brain on February 09, 2012, 02:08:59 PM
Quote from: Syt on February 09, 2012, 02:02:56 PM
Quote from: The Brain on February 09, 2012, 01:44:14 PM
Those things are never on your mind.
You're always on my mind.
Elvis or Pet Shop?
The Boys, of course. Definitive version and fantastic video. The weird old dude reminds me of some posters here.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 09, 2012, 09:29:12 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 02, 2012, 07:37:45 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 02, 2012, 04:48:55 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 02, 2012, 02:09:34 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 01, 2012, 08:20:55 AM
Also, I now have a Korean girlfriend.
:cheers:
Awesome!
Did you just meet her after getting back from vacation, or did you know her from before?
After, signed up on korean cupid after I got back. Went on one date so far, have scheduled another. Maybe a little premature to call her my girlfriend, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to stir the pot here.
Nice. :)
Good luck, and keep us/me updated.
Currently going down in flames.
Apparently 1-1.5 hours of talking a day on days we don't meet is not enough for her.
Also, she thinks I'm cold and curt.
Sounds needy. I like it.
What about Brandy?
Quote from: garbon on February 09, 2012, 04:03:41 PM
What about Brandy?
It's all right in its context. Are you typing on your Kindle again?
Quote from: Ideologue on February 09, 2012, 04:13:56 PM
Quote from: garbon on February 09, 2012, 04:03:41 PM
What about Brandy?
It's all right in its context. Are you typing on your Kindle again?
At work?
That was in reference to the Always on My Mind bit.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 09, 2012, 12:04:09 PM
Dude, you live in Georgia? Has this ever come up before?
It has indeed come up before, and I enjoy talking about it because the abstract novelty is about the only thing that keeps me going. I'm saving the children of the Republic of Georgia from having slightly worse English skills than they would otherwise.
Quote from: garbon on February 09, 2012, 04:03:41 PM
What about Brandy?
She's a fine girl, what a good wife she would be?
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on February 09, 2012, 04:36:17 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 09, 2012, 12:04:09 PM
Dude, you live in Georgia? Has this ever come up before?
It has indeed come up before, and I enjoy talking about it because the abstract novelty is about the only thing that keeps me going. I'm saving the children of the Republic of Georgia from having slightly worse English skills than they would otherwise.
Are they like the Molombos?
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on February 09, 2012, 04:36:17 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 09, 2012, 12:04:09 PM
Dude, you live in Georgia? Has this ever come up before?
It has indeed come up before, and I enjoy talking about it because the abstract novelty is about the only thing that keeps me going. I'm saving the children of the Republic of Georgia from having slightly worse English skills than they would otherwise.
So tell us, what are the highlights and lowlights? How big a city are you in? What some Georgian cultural quirks we wouldn't expect? Is the food and wine good? What's the dating like? How old are your students? What are peoples' attitude towards you?
Quote from: Jacob on February 09, 2012, 04:45:44 PM
What's the dating like? How old are your students?
Inappropriate much? :rolleyes:
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on February 09, 2012, 04:36:17 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 09, 2012, 12:04:09 PM
Dude, you live in Georgia? Has this ever come up before?
It has indeed come up before, and I enjoy talking about it because the abstract novelty is about the only thing that keeps me going. I'm saving the children of the Republic of Georgia from having slightly worse English skills than they would otherwise.
Do they realize that the Anglophone world is in decline, if not collapse?
Quote from: Ideologue on February 09, 2012, 04:49:14 PM
Do they realize that the Anglophone world is in decline, if not collapse?
Jeez, grapes sour much?
Quote from: Jacob on February 09, 2012, 04:45:44 PM
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on February 09, 2012, 04:36:17 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 09, 2012, 12:04:09 PM
Dude, you live in Georgia? Has this ever come up before?
It has indeed come up before, and I enjoy talking about it because the abstract novelty is about the only thing that keeps me going. I'm saving the children of the Republic of Georgia from having slightly worse English skills than they would otherwise.
So tell us, what are the highlights and lowlights? How big a city are you in? What some Georgian cultural quirks we wouldn't expect? Is the food and wine good? What's the dating like? How old are your students? What are peoples' attitude towards you?
The highlight is the amazing and unexpected generosity, the lowlights are that I haven't showered in a week and it's way too fucking cold. I think my neighbor is going to unplug his modem soon (the ethernet cable runs from his house to ours, under a meter of snow right now; Georgians unplug their electronics at night because of power surges), so I'll have to get to the rest later.
Brain: There's a sow in my village with nipples coming out of its cheeks.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 09, 2012, 04:55:16 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 09, 2012, 04:49:14 PM
Do they realize that the Anglophone world is in decline, if not collapse?
Jeez, grapes sour much?
They taste as Blueberry Warheads.
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on February 09, 2012, 04:36:17 PM
It has indeed come up before, and I enjoy talking about it because the abstract novelty is about the only thing that keeps me going. I'm saving the children of the Republic of Georgia from having slightly worse English skills than they would otherwise.
You're doing that teach in Georgia thing I remember laughing at not too long ago?
http://www.cci-exchange.com/teach/georgia.aspx
Eddie's English isn't that bad. :mad:
Quote from: Habbaku on February 09, 2012, 07:40:51 PM
Eddie's English isn't that bad. :mad:
But that modem story thingy seems spot on for Georgia...
She's trying to get back with me now.
Man, dumping people is hard. I'm just too nice.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 09, 2012, 10:23:38 PM
She's trying to get back with me now.
Man, dumping people is hard. I'm just too nice.
SOUNDS NEEDY. I LIKE IT.
Dude, you tell her a whiter man is just around the corner.
How can you like that>?
I like attention.
No one ever wants to be let down easy. They kick and scream until your forced to be a dick. <_<
You shouldn't feel bad about being a dick if it's necessary.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 03, 2012, 12:30:14 PM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 03, 2012, 09:13:35 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 02, 2012, 07:49:58 PM
Just misdemeanors!
China doesn't give a fuck. :)
One of my coworkers got busted for pot possession in NY a year or so before going to teach in China.
Just don't mention Tibet. :ph34r:
I don't think the mainland is for me, in that I'm 99% sure I'd be dead before the end of my contract. At the very least, I'd need a new handle here to disassociate myself from my numerous statements against the PRC. Mono would probably sell me out for a new pair of shoes though.
The aforementioned pothead spent New Years Eve passing out postcards that were basically commentary on Chinese censorship. If you're a foreigner and not posting in Chinese/reaching a wider audience, you won't be noticed.
Also, I get a $500 USD bonus if you apply to my company before April.
I'll split it with you. :)
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on February 09, 2012, 04:57:18 PM
The highlight is the amazing and unexpected generosity, the lowlights are that I haven't showered in a week and it's way too fucking cold. I think my neighbor is going to unplug his modem soon (the ethernet cable runs from his house to ours, under a meter of snow right now; Georgians unplug their electronics at night because of power surges), so I'll have to get to the rest later.
Brain: There's a sow in my village with nipples coming out of its cheeks.
Have you met any future Stalins or Berias? :)
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 09, 2012, 10:48:15 PM
No one ever wants to be let down easy. They kick and scream until your forced to be a dick. <_<
Lucky.
All the girls that I broke up with dumped me. And basically stopped responding to any text message, etc. Sometimes after saying they just hooked back up with their ex. :(
The closest I've ever come to dumping is growing apart and showing disinterest whenever we get back in touch.
This seems like as good a place to ask as any.
1) Just how cold and wet is the south of korea? like Goheung, in March.
2) How many points are koreans if squished by a large militart truck?
Thank you for your input.
Quote from: lustindarkness on February 10, 2012, 12:34:40 PM
1) Just how cold and wet is the south of korea? like Goheung, in March.
Never heard of Goheung. Generally Korean seasons are like New England seasons. In other words you'll freeze your Beanerbama ass off.
Quote2) How many points are koreans if squished by a large militart truck?
Depends which version of the rules you're playing with.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 09, 2012, 10:23:38 PM
She's trying to get back with me now.
Man, dumping people is hard. I'm just too nice.
Use the patented and trademarked Languish(tm) method: ask for increasingly outlandish and bizzare sexual favours until she dumps *you*. ;)
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2012, 12:39:52 PM
Never heard of Goheung. Generally Korean seasons are like New England seasons. In other words you'll freeze your Beanerbama ass off.
I thought Pusan was subtropical, with palm trees and shit. :hmm:
Quote from: Malthus on February 10, 2012, 06:27:16 PM
Use the patented and trademarked Languish(tm) method: ask for increasingly outlandish and bizzare sexual favours until she dumps *you*. ;)
+1
Has anyone actually used said method?
Isn't an easier way to ditch someone is by ignoring their attempts to communicate?
Quote from: Caliga on February 10, 2012, 08:11:55 PM
thought Pusan was subtropical, with palm trees and shit. :hmm:
No palm trees in Korea.
Quote from: Caliga on February 10, 2012, 08:11:55 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2012, 12:39:52 PM
Never heard of Goheung. Generally Korean seasons are like New England seasons. In other words you'll freeze your Beanerbama ass off.
I thought Pusan was subtropical, with palm trees and shit. :hmm:
I think you might be confusing Korean War with Vietnam War. :P
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2012, 12:39:52 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on February 10, 2012, 12:34:40 PM
1) Just how cold and wet is the south of korea? like Goheung, in March.
Never heard of Goheung. Generally Korean seasons are like New England seasons. In other words you'll freeze your Beanerbama ass off.
The seasons are more extreme than New England. Summer's hotter and winter's colder. Less snow though unless you're in Kangwon province.
Quote from: Tonitrus on February 10, 2012, 09:42:30 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 10, 2012, 08:11:55 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2012, 12:39:52 PM
Never heard of Goheung. Generally Korean seasons are like New England seasons. In other words you'll freeze your Beanerbama ass off.
I thought Pusan was subtropical, with palm trees and shit. :hmm:
I think you might be confusing Korean War with Vietnam War. :P
I think Westmoreland did as well.
:rolleyes: I'm not confusing Korea with Vietnam. I know that it's cold, at least in the central and northern parts of the peninsula.
Quote from: Wikipedia
Located on the Southeasternmost tip of the Korean Peninsula, Busan has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa). Extremely high or low temperatures are rare. May to July, late Springs and early Summers, are usually cooler than inland region because of the ocean effect. late Summer and early Autumn, August and September, are generally hot and humid and the city may experience typhoons at that time and be generally rainy. On September 15, 1959, Super Typhoon Sarah passed by the coast of the city and caused catastrophic damage. An unusually severe storm on September 12, 2003, Typhoon Maemi, also caused damage to ships and buildings and resulted in over 48 fatalities.
October and November are generally the most comfortable, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Winters are cold and comparatively dry with high winds, but much milder than other parts of Korea except Jeju-do and several islands of the southern coast. Busan and the nearby area has the least amount of snow compared to other regions of Korea due to its location. Snow falls on an average of only about 6 days per year. Even a little accumulation of snow can effectively shut down this seaport city because of the hilly terrain and unfamiliarity of motorists with driving on snow.
Actually the climate of P/Busan sounds similar to the climate where I live, except our summers are hotter.
Quote from: mongers on February 10, 2012, 10:02:40 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on February 10, 2012, 09:42:30 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 10, 2012, 08:11:55 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2012, 12:39:52 PM
Never heard of Goheung. Generally Korean seasons are like New England seasons. In other words you'll freeze your Beanerbama ass off.
I thought Pusan was subtropical, with palm trees and shit. :hmm:
I think you might be confusing Korean War with Vietnam War. :P
I think Westmoreland did as well.
Foul :mad:
Quote from: Caliga on February 10, 2012, 10:35:27 PM
:rolleyes: I'm not confusing Korea with Vietnam. I know that it's cold, at least in the central and northern parts of the peninsula.
Actually the climate of P/Busan sounds similar to the climate where I live, except our summers are hotter.
Well, most of the South is in the humid subtropical zone as well.
The native range of palm trees doesn't extend much away from the Atlantic coast, though. :P
Maybe Pusan's temperature is moderated by being on the sea, but the northern part of south Korea is constantly 30 plus degrees C for at least two months and extremely humid.
Gator needs some walking around money.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 11, 2012, 12:50:48 AM
Maybe Pusan's temperature is moderated by being on the sea, but the northern part of south Korea is constantly 30 plus degrees C for at least two months and extremely humid.
Why don't you check Pusan out for us? :)
Quote from: Baron von Schtinkenbutt on February 11, 2012, 12:48:12 AM
The native range of palm trees doesn't extend much away from the Atlantic coast, though. :P
Yes, but Pusan is on the coast. :smarty:
Quote from: Caliga on February 11, 2012, 06:48:40 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 11, 2012, 12:50:48 AM
Maybe Pusan's temperature is moderated by being on the sea, but the northern part of south Korea is constantly 30 plus degrees C for at least two months and extremely humid.
Why don't you check Pusan out for us? :)
Me and HMBOB were gonna go once. We missed the bus.
There's only one? :hmm:
:D
Quote from: Caliga on February 11, 2012, 06:49:17 AM
Quote from: Baron von Schtinkenbutt on February 11, 2012, 12:48:12 AM
The native range of palm trees doesn't extend much away from the Atlantic coast, though. :P
Yes, but Pusan is on the coast. :smarty:
Korea has an Atlantic coast :lol: ?
You Yanks and your crazy geography :D
I think I can deal with cold (Antarctica was not that bad) but wet and cold does not sound like fun. Oh well.
Quote from: Caliga on February 11, 2012, 09:08:54 AM
There's only one? :hmm:
It was Chuseok (Thanksgiving). All the later buses were full.
Since this is turning into a generic Korea thread I wonder...
How common are Hanzi over there? In Korean films I never seem to see any Chinese characters on any signs or anything. Its always just Hangul.
And...is there anything worth seeing in Korea? Except the DMZ.
Quote from: Tyr on February 12, 2012, 07:56:51 PM
Since this is turning into a generic Korea thread I wonder...
How common are Hanzi over there? In Korean films I never seem to see any Chinese characters on any signs or anything. Its always just Hangul.
And...is there anything worth seeing in Korea? Except the DMZ.
I don't know is there anything worth seeing in England? Except Big Ben? :huh:
And you wonder why people treat you like an ignorant fuck! Even if you don't know anything about a country, there are always interesting things to see.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 12, 2012, 07:59:52 PM
Quote from: Tyr on February 12, 2012, 07:56:51 PM
Since this is turning into a generic Korea thread I wonder...
How common are Hanzi over there? In Korean films I never seem to see any Chinese characters on any signs or anything. Its always just Hangul.
And...is there anything worth seeing in Korea? Except the DMZ.
I don't know is there anything worth seeing in England? Except Big Ben? :huh:
And you wonder why people treat you like an ignorant fuck! Even if you don't know anything about a country, there are always interesting things to see.
err, it was a question, not an insult.
Plenty of preserved palaces and things if that's your bag. If I'm not mistaken Korea boasts the largest carved reclining Buddha and the oldest Buddhist wood blocks.
Hancha is not used much in street signs and such. Used in newspapers, but less than in Japan. I've been told by Koreans that an educated Korean knows 1,000 characters, whereas an educated Japanese knows 3,000.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 12, 2012, 07:59:52 PM
I don't know is there anything worth seeing in England? Except Big Ben? :huh:
There's Stonehenge too.
Quote from: Tyr on February 12, 2012, 08:01:58 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 12, 2012, 07:59:52 PM
Quote from: Tyr on February 12, 2012, 07:56:51 PM
Since this is turning into a generic Korea thread I wonder...
How common are Hanzi over there? In Korean films I never seem to see any Chinese characters on any signs or anything. Its always just Hangul.
And...is there anything worth seeing in Korea? Except the DMZ.
I don't know is there anything worth seeing in England? Except Big Ben? :huh:
And you wonder why people treat you like an ignorant fuck! Even if you don't know anything about a country, there are always interesting things to see.
err, it was a question, not an insult.
It's the wording of the question that's so awful.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 12, 2012, 07:59:52 PM
Quote from: Tyr on February 12, 2012, 07:56:51 PM
Since this is turning into a generic Korea thread I wonder...
How common are Hanzi over there? In Korean films I never seem to see any Chinese characters on any signs or anything. Its always just Hangul.
And...is there anything worth seeing in Korea? Except the DMZ.
I don't know is there anything worth seeing in England? Except Big Ben? :huh:
And you wonder why people treat you like an ignorant fuck! Even if you don't know anything about a country, there are always interesting things to see.
Tim these words don't fit you personality; I know you're trying to sound hard, but it just comes off as naff.
Now, had I said them they would have had gravitas.
I judge a country by sitting in a hotel room there watching porn.
That is usually my mark too, but when in Budapest, Hungary and going to the mall and seeing the girl with "wild zone" writtenn across the ass of her jeans was good enough.
Not sure what would be better than that (well, the rotating sign with "sex" and arrows spinning in all directions did seem top drawer).
I missed the golden age of Hungarian sluts. :mad: DAMN WORK.
Tamas refused to ride the beet wagon into Budapest to see me.
Next to the hotel (pretty damned good one too) was the synagogue and right next door to that was the porn theater. The casino was across the street. There was a bar ever 12 feet, and a line 2000 feet long at the US embassy to get out of the country.
Quote from: EdI missed the golden age of Hungarian sluts. :mad: DAMN WORK.
You gotta just keep moving east, like the Czech Legion.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 12, 2012, 09:34:39 PM
Quote from: EdI missed the golden age of Hungarian sluts. :mad: DAMN WORK.
You gotta just keep moving east, like the Czech Legion.
I did have the dream once of traveling the old WP countries and just fuck my way across them.
Thankfully, I never did. I saw the AIDS rates there. :pinch:
See, they gays messed up everything.
Quote from: PDH on February 12, 2012, 09:34:24 PM
Tamas refused to ride the beet wagon into Budapest to see me.
Next to the hotel (pretty damned good one too) was the synagogue and right next door to that was the porn theater. The casino was across the street. There was a bar ever 12 feet, and a line 2000 feet long at the US embassy to get out of the country.
So you're saying that's why America gets all the prudes.
Hard working, beet-hating prudes.
Quote from: Ed Anger on February 12, 2012, 09:36:54 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 12, 2012, 09:34:39 PM
Quote from: EdI missed the golden age of Hungarian sluts. :mad: DAMN WORK.
You gotta just keep moving east, like the Czech Legion.
I did have the dream once of traveling the old WP countries and just fuck my way across them.
Thankfully, I never did. I saw the AIDS rates there. :pinch:
You're white, yes? CCR5 Delta 32. Get tested, today, my friend.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 12, 2012, 10:02:08 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on February 12, 2012, 09:36:54 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 12, 2012, 09:34:39 PM
Quote from: EdI missed the golden age of Hungarian sluts. :mad: DAMN WORK.
You gotta just keep moving east, like the Czech Legion.
I did have the dream once of traveling the old WP countries and just fuck my way across them.
Thankfully, I never did. I saw the AIDS rates there. :pinch:
You're white, yes? CCR5 Delta 32. Get tested, today, my friend.
White as the driven snow. I do play a black man on the Internet sometimes.
I'm just saying, you have the funds to get your genes checked out. With a homozygous mutant CCR5 you're basically immune to HIV, even a heterozygous mutation provides some protection, and it's relatively frequent in white folk (thanks smallpox!). Also, it would be really great to lord it over Martinus.
At whatever point I have some spare cash (hmph), I plan on seeing if I've got it.
I could go on a rampage at the college. Line up ladies! 1 ride, 1 'A'.
Yeah, I always wanted to be a magistrate.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 12, 2012, 08:54:01 PM
]It's the wording of the question that's so awful.
I felt it pretty obvious to native speakers that it of course means "What interesting stuff is there except the DMZ?" rather than "Korea, pah, it has nothing does it!".
As I am contemplating a trip there as the easiest foreign country to get to.
Seoul is awesome. Great museums, palaces and clubs.
There's the place where they filmed M*A*S*H.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 12, 2012, 11:35:52 PM
There's the place where they filmed M*A*S*H.
California?
Korea has a bunch of palaces and similar stuff in Seoul. Some temples, too. Most of it was reconstructed after the war, because the Japanese burned/tore down most of them, but that's true through most of Asia (except Japan, where the USAAF was the one who burned things:) ). Lots of shopping there, especially electronics, clothing and cosmetics. If you have a Japanese girlfriend/girl friend, get some stuff for her - lots of Japanese girls like buying Korean cosmetics from Myeongdong. She'll also force you to go to a bunch of places she's seen in Korean dramas.
There's great hiking there, too. The nice beaches are in the south or east, or on Jeju island. Also, even though Jeju is called "Korea's Hawaii", it is not warm in the winter and even gets occasional snow.
Email me your resume Ide. Job opening at the local middle school.
Whoa, cool.
Include law degree: yes/no?
I'm thinking it would be better to do so since: 1)Asians don't know; and 2)there's a gaping hole in my life otherwise.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 14, 2012, 03:37:10 PM
Whoa, cool.
Include law degree: yes/no?
I'm thinking it would be better to do so since: 1)Asians don't know; and 2)there's a gaping hole in my life otherwise.
I have one of those, but its got nothing to do with my cv. :( :P
In my case it'd be more accurate to say the gaping hole *is* my life. :hmm:
Quote from: Ideologue on February 14, 2012, 03:37:10 PM
Whoa, cool.
Include law degree: yes/no?
I'm thinking it would be better to do so since: 1)Asians don't know; and 2)there's a gaping hole in my life otherwise.
Sure, I was told you'd need a TESL certificate, but I know that's not true. Still doesn't hurt to have more random qualifications. Does a Law degree count as a Master? You get more money for that.
Also, 100hr TESL cost like $200 bucks, can be marathoned in a weekend and will get you an extra $100 per month.
If they have questions just tell them you found out you hated practicing law, every country hates lawyers so they'll understand. I'll PM you my email address
I hope this works out.
I really want to read about Ide's adventurers in Korea (or China or Japan).
Quote from: Jacob on February 14, 2012, 07:08:08 PM
I hope this works out.
I really want to read about Ide's adventurers in Korea (or China or Japan).
I hope he doesn't bring up his obsession with bombers. That probably won't go over well.
My school badly needs teachers. So if you want to go to Shanghai, PM me.
After all, aren't you over Korea? :P
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 14, 2012, 06:49:26 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 14, 2012, 03:37:10 PM
Whoa, cool.
Include law degree: yes/no?
I'm thinking it would be better to do so since: 1)Asians don't know; and 2)there's a gaping hole in my life otherwise.
Sure, I was told you'd need a TESL certificate, but I know that's not true. Still doesn't hurt to have more random qualifications. Does a Law degree count as a Master? You get more money for that.
That jerk Barrister Boy says no. The federal government and the fact you need a preexisting bachelor's degree to get it say yes.
QuoteAlso, 100hr TESL cost like $200 bucks, can be marathoned in a weekend and will get you an extra $100 per month.
If they have questions just tell them you found out you hated practicing law, every country hates lawyers so they'll understand. I'll PM you my email address
"I want to see the world before I begin my real career."
Quote from: JacobI hope this works out.
I really want to read about Ide's adventurers in Korea (or China or Japan).
Man, you know me. It's just going to be same shit, different place. "Why don't girls like me?" "Why am I unhappy?" "Higher education is a scam." "Map sucks."
Quote from: Ideologue on February 14, 2012, 10:24:50 PM
"I want to see the world before I begin my real career."
That doesn't sound very flattering of the position you're trying to get.
I thought all these gigs were temporary-oriented (a couple to four years, like that)? Perhaps I do not understand the position.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 14, 2012, 11:01:25 PM
I thought all these gigs were temporary-oriented (a couple to four years, like that)? Perhaps I do not understand the position.
Yeah, but they don't want people on vacation. They want you to at least be looking for a job, not using it as vehicle for tourism or party.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 14, 2012, 11:01:25 PM
I thought all these gigs were temporary-oriented (a couple to four years, like that)? Perhaps I do not understand the position.
Ide, a lesson you have to learn if you want any job other than the very bottom rung: you have to present as if you're super committed to the job you're applying for. Self-deprecating comments (except in the mildest forms) and direct acknowledgement of "unspoken realities" (and you usually get the "unspoken realities" shit wrong anyways, if your posting here is any indication) are pretty much self-destruct buttons. This is basic shit. "I want this job because it's an interesting thing to do until I get to do what I really like" will pretty much never get you a job except menial labour and seasonal jobs in the tourism industry.
Could you tell me what the "unspoken realities" are?
Quote from: Ideologue on February 14, 2012, 10:24:50 PMMan, you know me. It's just going to be same shit, different place. "Why don't girls like me?" "Why am I unhappy?" "Higher education is a scam." "Map sucks."
Nah. I think you're being a chickenshit, comfortable in your own misery and self pity. Where you've been? South Carolina? A couple of other states? Do you even have a passport?
You have no idea what it's going to be like in Korea. When you say "same shit, different place" it's so you can tell yourself that it doesn't matter when you fuck up applying to this thing that's practically being handed to you on a silver platter. You have two people on the inside offering to basically give you jobs where they're working. They're already there and can answer pretty much all the questions you might have.
Just fucking apply. Do what you need to do in the right order and in time (and both HMB and Timmy can hold your hand while you do it). You can always chose to not go once you have an offer in hand; that feels way better than to justify to yourself that you weren't really interested or that the man is keeping you down after you fuck it up due to inaction after the fact.
Don't be a pussy. Apply. Also, while you're down on yourself right now, I know losers orders of magnitude bigger than you suggest you are here on languish who got girlfriends while doing the ESL teacher thing in Asia. [Timmy has recently risen in my estimation, otherwise I would've put "hell, even Timmy has gotten dates in Korea" without a disclaimer, but now I'll admit I don't really mean it.]
Quote from: Razgovory on February 14, 2012, 11:40:37 PM
Could you tell me what the "unspoken realities" are?
In this case, any of Ide's ideologically driven analyses of the relationship between employers and employees; even if they're correct. Things that imply "I know you don't give a fuck about me and will lay me off if it's the slightest bit convenient for you" or "we both know that you need the intelligence of a trained rat to do this job". That sort of stuff.
Quote from: Jacob on February 14, 2012, 11:52:51 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 14, 2012, 11:40:37 PM
Could you tell me what the "unspoken realities" are?
In this case, any of Ide's ideologically driven analysis of the relationship between employers and employees; even if they're correct. Things that imply "I know you don't give a fuck about me and will lay me off if it's the slightest bit convenient for you" or "we both know that you need the intelligence of a trained rat to do this job". That sort of stuff.
Unless there's a health problem that makes him physically impossible to get to work or he commits some kind of crime this won't happen even if he's an awful teacher and they hate him. Firing someone and then hiring someone new is a huge pain in the ass for the folks in charge here. They'd rather suffer for a year and just not reup the contract.
Quote from: Jacob on February 14, 2012, 11:50:55 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 14, 2012, 10:24:50 PMMan, you know me. It's just going to be same shit, different place. "Why don't girls like me?" "Why am I unhappy?" "Higher education is a scam." "Map sucks."
Nah. I think you're being a chickenshit, comfortable in your own misery and self pity. Where you've been? South Carolina? A couple of other states? Do you even have a passport?
Snipped ALL THE OTHER MEAN STUFF
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Sorry, I think you got the wrong idea.
I'm just trying not to get my hopes up about it being some sort of salvation, where I suddenly become some kind of superhumanly happy person. I do not get my hopes up that high about anything, anymore.
That's what I've did and it doesn't work. It's also called growing up.
And obviously, obviously, obviously Tim is the shit. HMBob is also a very nice man.
And Jakob Danesperson is usually nice too, but I think he's tired of my pity party. Noted. -_-
But on the subject of passports, that was actually a question I wanted to ask: passports take time--even if I went to the Passport Store tomorrow, it would be a while.
Also I wonder if this would interfere with my taking the State X bar in July. I'm just curious.
My passport took 3 weeks. At most, it'll take 2 months. :mellow:
Hey, I dunno what the timeframe is.
I do have a certified copy of my birth certificate ready. :)
Go immediately. I just forwarded your resume.
Also, I believe you can have it expedited for an additional fee.
Anyways, if you don't get this job don't worry about it. You'll definitely be able to get a job in Korea somewhere if you keep applying.
Though I'm sure things will be vastly different in several years, are there any ESL teachers over there in the 40-50 age range? Or is it (as I would imagine), mostly a youngsters game?
Quote from: Tonitrus on February 15, 2012, 02:10:24 AM
Though I'm sure things will be vastly different in several years, are there any ESL teachers over there in the 40-50 age range? Or is it (as I would imagine), mostly a youngsters game?
In Korea there are some. It's increased a bit since I've started, but still mostly younger folks.
When I was a kid, all the native speaker teachers were young.
And good luck, Ide.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 14, 2012, 10:24:50 PM
Man, you know me. It's just going to be same shit, different place. "Why don't girls like me?" "Why am I unhappy?" "Higher education is a scam." "Map sucks."
Like I said, all those problems will disappear as soon as you find a decent job. Except "map sucks" ;)
Quote from: Ideologue on February 15, 2012, 12:01:12 AM
But on the subject of passports, that was actually a question I wanted to ask: passports take time--even if I went to the Passport Store tomorrow, it would be a while.
Also I wonder if this would interfere with my taking the State X bar in July. I'm just curious.
Obvioulsy you can't go without a passport, but is there anything that prevents you from going to the passport office tomorrow? Or even this afternoon?
Quote from: Habbaku on February 15, 2012, 12:46:55 AM
My passport took 3 weeks. At most, it'll take 2 months. :mellow:
Quote from: jimmy olsen« on: Today at 09:57:04 pm »
Also, I believe you can have it expedited for an additional fee.
Yeah i got mine fast tracked in like 10 days time. If i hadn't done that it was a 6-8 weeks turnaround.
Quote from: Habbaku on February 15, 2012, 12:46:55 AM
My passport took 3 weeks. At most, it'll take 2 months. :mellow:
Yeah, it's not like passports are hard to get. Even I've had one. And I bite people if left in an office environment to long.
Quote from: Monoriu on February 15, 2012, 02:20:28 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 14, 2012, 10:24:50 PM
Man, you know me. It's just going to be same shit, different place. "Why don't girls like me?" "Why am I unhappy?" "Higher education is a scam." "Map sucks."
Like I said, all those problems will disappear as soon as you find a decent job. Except "map sucks" ;)
I doubt a good map is as elusive as happiness.
It is the girl part that is the hardest, especially for us short, obese, clumsy, anti-social and unromantic folks. But hey, if I can find a wife, pretty much anybody can :showoff:
Quote from: Monoriu on February 15, 2012, 03:29:10 AM
It is the girl part that is the hardest, especially for us short, obese, clumsy, anti-social and unromantic folks. But hey, if I can find a wife, pretty much anybody can :showoff:
Ide is neither short nor obese. Don't know about clumsy. Anti-social, sure.
Ide, you can always join the military, you never know when they could send you to Korea.
Good luck, Ide :)
I hope you find the happiness in Korea that you were ultimately unable to find in Korea. If we both end up in east asia, we should meet up sometime.
Quote from: Tonitrus on February 15, 2012, 02:10:24 AM
Though I'm sure things will be vastly different in several years, are there any ESL teachers over there in the 40-50 age range? Or is it (as I would imagine), mostly a youngsters game?
China seems to have an older crowd than Korea. Most of my foreign coworkers are at least 30, two are married (to locals) and one is in a committed relationship. The youngest are myself at 26 and another at 25. I imagine those who teach at a university in Korea/Japan/China tend to be older as well.
I still think Ide would make a good engineer.
Quote from: Razgovory on February 15, 2012, 09:19:49 AM
I still think Ide would make a good engineer.
Ide: It is my new bomber!
Chairman, JC: It has 20 engines.
Ide: AIRPOWER!
Quote from: Ideologue on February 14, 2012, 11:58:51 PMWhoa, whoa, whoa. Sorry, I think you got the wrong idea.
I'm just trying not to get my hopes up about it being some sort of salvation, where I suddenly become some kind of superhumanly happy person. I do not get my hopes up that high about anything, anymore. That's what I've did and it doesn't work. It's also called growing up.
And obviously, obviously, obviously Tim is the shit. HMBob is also a very nice man.
And Jakob Danesperson is usually nice too, but I think he's tired of my pity party. Noted. -_-
Well I hope I got the wrong idea :hug:
It's just that I've heard that kind of "not get my hopes up" reasoning a few too many times from people who don't get off their ass to take the chances that present themselves. But like I said, I'll be very happy to be wrong.
Hey, do I need the "passport card"? It says it's just good for land and sea crossings with designated countries, and 1)Korea isn't one of them and 2)they don't let me take my Thor Heyerdahl canoe through the canal anymore. Not after last time.
Can't you just use your passport book to flee to Canada or Mexico anyway?
I ask because it costs $40.
You don't want the card.
Ok, you basically got this job in the bag. They creamed their panties when they saw your degree. I specifically told them it was equivalent to a masters but they see only the word doctris.
Now you will have to do several specific things that will cost a couple of hundred dollars to get the job.
First get a regular passport book and expedite it.
If you don't have a current (last six months) FBI check send away for one immediately.
Also, you're going to have to go here and sign up for the online 100 hr course. They give you a shit ton of material to download and let you take an online test which you have 24 hours (from a time of your choosing) to complete open book. Depending on how much grammar you remember from school it may take all that time... :blush: It's seriously long though, even if you remember everything from school it'll take you a long time.
http://www.tesolonline.com/online-tesol-courses/
You also have to make copies of stuff like you degree and get those apostiled. You have to get the FBI check apostiled as well. Be sure to note that you need that done when you get the FBI check. They won't do it themselves, but they will give you a background check that can then be apostiled by the state department.
Are you willing to these things?
I will also note that despite their enthusiasm, given how long it takes an FBI check they may still say no, however the above costs will not be wasted for doing the above things will guarantee you a job in Korea or China within a month.
Just remember, we will want AARs of drunken Tim/Ide adventures across Korea. :P
This is the most exciting development on languish in quite a long time :cheers:
Haven't we already read about Ide's adventures in Korea? 'My cock is the 4th Panzer Army', and so forth?
Quote from: Neil on February 15, 2012, 07:51:10 PM
Haven't we already read about Ide's adventures in Korea? 'My cock is the 4th Panzer Army', and so forth?
Well yes of course, and that is exactly the point. I'm looking forward to how Ide's imaginary Korea (the place, not the person) plays out when exposed to the real one.
Jake, we can discuss my 3rd Shock Army's adventures if you wish.
Quote from: Neil on February 15, 2012, 07:51:10 PM
Haven't we already read about Ide's adventures in Korea? 'My cock is the 4th Panzer Army', and so forth?
It strikes me that 4th Panzer Army was an odd choice, seeing that it was trapped/defeated/destroyed in the end...
Quote from: Monoriu on February 15, 2012, 08:40:25 PM
Quote from: Neil on February 15, 2012, 07:51:10 PM
Haven't we already read about Ide's adventures in Korea? 'My cock is the 4th Panzer Army', and so forth?
It strikes me that 4th Panzer Army was an odd choice, seeing that it was trapped/defeated/destroyed in the end...
Perhaps a prophetic choice?
Good luck Ide, Korea is lots of fun :)
Go to Hongdae every weekend!
I thought it was round about saying "I got cockblocked".
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/408061_10151264734755696_820885695_22839800_901361255_n.jpg)
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 15, 2012, 07:09:53 PM
Ok, you basically got this job in the bag. They creamed their panties when they saw your degree. I specifically told them it was equivalent to a masters but they see only the word doctris.
I didn't spell it doctris, did I? In any event, I told you, Asians don't know. -_- Also, take that Barrister Boy. All you've got is a lousy LL.B.
I have a J.D.
Does this mean the J.D. is: versatile? I'll have to take back some things I said on JDU.
QuoteNow you will have to do several specific things that will cost a couple of hundred dollars to get the job.
First get a regular passport book and expedite it.
Expedited? Ah, man, that's like eight hours' work. That's my whole day tomorrow, less cigarettes.
OH: are cigarettes available in Korea; not going if not so.
QuoteIf you don't have a current (last six months) FBI check send away for one immediately.
Damn, I just paid for a background check about a month ago that I believe has an FBI check as a component, but had it sent to the bar (
perhaps I should have done that last). I could see if I can have it apostilled or whatever.
QuoteAlso, you're going to have to go here and sign up for the online 100 hr course. They give you a shit ton of material to download and let you take an online test which you have 24 hours (from a time of your choosing) to complete open book. Depending on how much grammar you remember from school it may take all that time... :blush: It's seriously long though, even if you remember everything from school it'll take you a long time.
http://www.tesolonline.com/online-tesol-courses/
Easy.
I know how to use the English subjunctive. And when to use "whom." And what a gerund is. None of which is at all important for learning English, and Noam Chomsky will tell you so, but if they
think it's important, good.
QuoteYou also have to make copies of stuff like you degree and get those apostiled.
I have a sealed transcript from USC, an unsealed transcript from Lander, and my degrees are sitting on my table, where my cats use them as beds.
QuoteYou have to get the FBI check apostiled as well. Be sure to note that you need that done when you get the FBI check. They won't do it themselves, but they will give you a background check that can then be apostiled by the state department.
Are you willing to these things?
Yes.
QuoteI will also note that despite their enthusiasm, given how long it takes an FBI check they may still say no, however the above costs will not be wasted for doing the above things will guarantee you a job in Korea or China within a month.
Neat. Also, it's required for a lot of stuff here. I mean, do they want a character affidavit? Got it. Do they want a driving record? Got it. Do they want certed copies of my various misdemeanors? Got it.
P.S. did you mention I had a mild criminal record?
P.P.S.: does the FBI check have a cutoff date? Is it lifetime? Is it adulthood? Because the biggest issue (arguably) is actually logged under "juvenile," even though it was not a juvenile proceeding (at least so far as
I remember, it was a decade and a half ago).
P.P.P.S.: you forgot the most important part. Transoceanic cat transport, or semi-permanent cat accommodation here. Current plan is to pay my sister, or Korea ( :rolleyes: ), or a friend to take care of them, preferably without splitting them. What do you guys think is a fair price for the three? $100/month? Less? More? They cost about $50, I guess.
Quote from: Jacob on February 15, 2012, 07:54:23 PM
Quote from: Neil on February 15, 2012, 07:51:10 PM
Haven't we already read about Ide's adventures in Korea? 'My cock is the 4th Panzer Army', and so forth?
Well yes of course, and that is exactly the point. I'm looking forward to how Ide's imaginary Korea (the place, not the person) plays out when exposed to the real one.
I have no preconceptions, really, except the parents are mean and push their kids too hard, and they like Starcraft.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 15, 2012, 09:58:03 PM
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamtet/hphotos-ak-ash4/408061_10151264734755696_820885695_22839800_901361255_n.jpg)
Whats with those things? This past week they're suddenly absolutely everywhere.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 15, 2012, 08:41:13 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 15, 2012, 08:40:25 PM
Quote from: Neil on February 15, 2012, 07:51:10 PM
Haven't we already read about Ide's adventures in Korea? 'My cock is the 4th Panzer Army', and so forth?
It strikes me that 4th Panzer Army was an odd choice, seeing that it was trapped/defeated/destroyed in the end...
Perhaps a prophetic choice?
I think you guys are forgetting the actual content of that story. I mean, it was actually a pretty fun memory, but it was like the perfect storm of deflowerings. I wound up injured, having to wash hotel sheets, and technically I don't think we actually fucked till the next day (although I did get a nice blowjob).
Hey, also, Tim?
:hug:
Quote from: Tyr on February 15, 2012, 10:28:37 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 15, 2012, 09:58:03 PM
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamtet/hphotos-ak-ash4/408061_10151264734755696_820885695_22839800_901361255_n.jpg)
Whats with those things? This past week they're suddenly absolutely everywhere.
I believe it's the latest Facebook meme.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 15, 2012, 10:21:26 PM
Expedited? Ah, man, that's like eight hours' work. That's my whole day tomorrow, less cigarettes.
OH: are cigarettes available in Korea; not going if not so.
Koreans smoke like it's still 1945.
Quote
Damn, I just paid for a background check about a month ago that I believe has an FBI check as a component, but had it sent to the bar (perhaps I should have done that last). I could see if I can have it apostilled or whatever.
It may have an FBI competent, but unless it clearly says FBI on it with their seal I'm pretty sure they won't accept it.
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/background-checks
Be sure to read FAQ #9.
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/background-checks/faqs
Once you get the FBI check you're gonna have to Fed EX it to a courier service in DC and have them bring it personally to the State Department to have it appostiled since it's a federal document.
Quote
I have a sealed transcript from USC, an unsealed transcript from Lander, and my degrees are sitting on my table, where my cats use them as beds.
Not sure if the transcripts have to be sealed, but you might want to get that just in case. Photocopy the degrees and bring them down to the NC department of state and have them apostilled.
Quote
Neat. Also, it's required for a lot of stuff here. I mean, do they want a character affidavit? Got it. Do they want a driving record? Got it. Do they want certed copies of my various misdemeanors? Got it.
Character affidavit? Maybe, they might want job recommendations from previous employers, but since you haven't worked as a teacher maybe not. I'll ask. As long as you have a valid license you'll be fine.
Quote
P.S. did you mention I had a mild criminal record?
P.P.S.: does the FBI check have a cutoff date? Is it lifetime? Is it adulthood? Because the biggest issue (arguably) is actually logged under "juvenile," even though it was not a juvenile proceeding (at least so far as I remember, it was a decade and a half ago).
P.P.P.S.: you forgot the most important part. Transoceanic cat transport, or semi-permanent cat accommodation here. Current plan is to pay my sister, or Korea ( :rolleyes: ), or a friend to take care of them, preferably without splitting them. What do you guys think is a fair price for the three? $100/month? Less? More? They cost about $50, I guess.
Of course not, anything that's on your record that they object to happened before I met you and I'm SHOCKED, SHOCKED & APPALLED to find out about it.
No idea, assume it will show up until you have the check in front of you without it mentioning it. As long as it's not a felony (is it a felony?) you'll probably be fine. Was it DUI? They don't like that either.
So is Ide going to be the next member of Languish sent to East Asia? When is this going to end? When we are all over there?
DUI. They don't like it? Hell, I'm not a fan. But at this point I've stopped mentioning it even on state government applications that ask for your criminal record without limitation, because it's simply unfair, and, after investigating the matter myself, appears almost unreachable unless it's already in an FBI database (it is
not in a South Carolina database), or you know exactly what you're looking for, can physically visit a city courthouse, are willing to spend an hour with the clerk going through old logs, and don't mind invading someone's juvenile arrest record, which I'm not 100% sure, but I believe they should have ID'd me before confirming it existed (maybe Ed will tell me differently; I'm rather curious).
Quote from: TimIt may have an FBI competent, but unless it clearly says FBI on it with their seal I'm pretty sure they won't accept it.
Well, I think it's worth calling up the company and asking.
QuoteCharacter affidavit?
Just joking about bar app requirements. You need
eight references--five can't be fellow law students or professors (which is a pain in the ass if you've lost touch with your rowdy friends), and the remaining three must be notarized affidavits swearing that the affiant believes you to be of good character. My clinical instructor just wrote down "I know of no reason why Hunter should not be admitted to the bar." Ringing endorsement. Granted, I did catch him right before his class.
Quote from: Razgovory on February 15, 2012, 11:18:47 PM
So is Ide going to be the next member of Languish sent to East Asia? When is this going to end? When we are all over there?
How many of us are already over here? I went Korea->China, Tyr's in Japan, Tim's in Korea and Ide will join him soon (hopefully)... anyone else? Is Pitiful Pathos still over in Asia?
In ten years, Monoriu's going to come to America to teach Cantonese as a Second Language.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 15, 2012, 11:23:37 PM
In ten years, Monoriu's going to come to America to teach Cantonese as a Second Language.
Doesn't Cantonese have even more tones than Mandarin? :yuk:
I'd rather force everyone in China to learn Korean, and then have people teach that abroad.
It's easier, and K-Pop = :mmm:
Quote from: Ideologue on February 15, 2012, 11:23:37 PM
In ten years, Monoriu's going to come to America to teach Cantonese as a Second Language.
He would never teach uncivilized people his tongue. :mad:
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 15, 2012, 11:22:04 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 15, 2012, 11:18:47 PM
So is Ide going to be the next member of Languish sent to East Asia? When is this going to end? When we are all over there?
How many of us are already over here? I went Korea->China, Tyr's in Japan, Tim's in Korea and Ide will join him soon (hopefully)... anyone else? Is Pitiful Pathos still over in Asia?
You people are monsters! You are trying to settle Languish member in Asia! When will it end? CdM in the PRC with a wife a kid and a party membership?
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 15, 2012, 11:29:56 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 15, 2012, 11:23:37 PM
In ten years, Monoriu's going to come to America to teach Cantonese as a Second Language.
He would never teach uncivilized people his tongue. :mad:
Mono doesn't understand why any American would want to speak Cantonese.
Quote from: Razgovory on February 15, 2012, 11:31:44 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 15, 2012, 11:29:56 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 15, 2012, 11:23:37 PM
In ten years, Monoriu's going to come to America to teach Cantonese as a Second Language.
He would never teach uncivilized people his tongue. :mad:
Mono doesn't understand why any American would want to speak Cantonese.
Do you have to understand something to take advantage of it financially?
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 15, 2012, 11:33:10 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 15, 2012, 11:31:44 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 15, 2012, 11:29:56 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 15, 2012, 11:23:37 PM
In ten years, Monoriu's going to come to America to teach Cantonese as a Second Language.
He would never teach uncivilized people his tongue. :mad:
Mono doesn't understand why any American would want to speak Cantonese.
Do you have to understand something to take advantage of it financially?
If Wall Street is any indication, no. Still, you don't get rich teaching. Of course you don't get rich as a civil servant either.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 15, 2012, 11:33:10 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 15, 2012, 11:31:44 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 15, 2012, 11:29:56 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 15, 2012, 11:23:37 PM
In ten years, Monoriu's going to come to America to teach Cantonese as a Second Language.
He would never teach uncivilized people his tongue. :mad:
Mono doesn't understand why any American would want to speak Cantonese.
Do you have to understand something to take advantage of it financially?
Law school joke.
Its just dawning on me that this doesn't just mean Ide in Korea but Ide and Tim in the same town, hanging out together and all that.
I'm imagining it to be quite an odd couple situation.
Also, even if this doesn't work out, in Japan at least and presumably elsewhere in asia its really easy to get an English teaching job (not necessarily an awesome one but certainly better than kitchen bitch and its in a new and interesting place) as a white foreigner just by being here.
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 15, 2012, 11:28:00 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 15, 2012, 11:23:37 PM
In ten years, Monoriu's going to come to America to teach Cantonese as a Second Language.
Doesn't Cantonese have even more tones than Mandarin? :yuk:
I'd rather force everyone in China to learn Korean, and then have people teach that abroad.
It's easier, and K-Pop = :mmm:
Yes. Cantonese has 6 tones I believe. Mandarin, 4. In general, Cantonese is even more difficult to learn than Mandarin. It is important to note that even if you know Mandarin, the process of learning Cantonese is difficult. Not only are the pronounciations totally different (they are not mutually intelligible), but the words, grammar, sentence structure, usage etc are all different. Some say the difference between Cantonese (a dialect) and Mandarin is much larger than the difference between Portugese and Spanish.
Making people's food is noble work. People gotta eat. It's just not remunerative, and I think it's really fucking with my body (my back muscles felt like snakes crawling under my skin today, tingly and twitchy, very unpleasant; and my arm joints hurt; on the plus side, it is exercise).
Tim and I aren't that different, really. We like the same sort of things, I just like slightly cooler stuff and I'm lower-profile about it. We both had unhappy childhoods. We're both Hispanic. We do vote differently, but we're both low key, not too in-your-face about it, unlike some people.
Quote from: Tyr on February 15, 2012, 11:43:50 PM
Its just dawning on me that this doesn't just mean Ide in Korea but Ide and Tim in the same town, hanging out together and all that.
I'm imagining it to be quite an odd couple situation.
Also, even if this doesn't work out, in Japan at least and presumably elsewhere in asia its really easy to get an English teaching job (not necessarily an awesome one but certainly better than kitchen bitch and its in a new and interesting place) as a white foreigner just by being here.
It'd be cool, but I'm pretty sure they're gonna balk at the 6-8 week time frame on the FBI check.
Still like I said, doing all the stuff I laid out will get him a job in Korea for sure.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 15, 2012, 11:53:02 PM
Quote from: Tyr on February 15, 2012, 11:43:50 PM
Its just dawning on me that this doesn't just mean Ide in Korea but Ide and Tim in the same town, hanging out together and all that.
I'm imagining it to be quite an odd couple situation.
Also, even if this doesn't work out, in Japan at least and presumably elsewhere in asia its really easy to get an English teaching job (not necessarily an awesome one but certainly better than kitchen bitch and its in a new and interesting place) as a white foreigner just by being here.
It'd be cool, but I'm pretty sure they're gonna balk at the 6-8 week time frame on the FBI check.
Still like I said, doing all the stuff I laid out will get him a job in Korea for sure.
Ah. Well, that'd be okay. I could take the State X bar in the meantime (or even, miraculously, get a civil servant job).
On the other hand, you know, I could have my license lapse because of inability to do CLE. Then again, it's not like I'm taking GA or VA to actually work there, specifically. I'll have to look into that, maybe call their bar ass'ns.
OH SHIT!
Tim, are any of these companies that do ESL non-profits?
Oh man oh man oh man PSLF...
Quote from: Ideologue on February 15, 2012, 10:25:48 PMI have no preconceptions, really, except the parents are mean and push their kids too hard, and they like Starcraft.
I'm still looking forward to reading about your adventures :hug:
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 12:18:46 AM
OH SHIT!
Tim, are any of these companies that do ESL non-profits?
Oh man oh man oh man PSLF...
Why does that matter?
They may fall under Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and time served may be creditable toward having my loans forgiven. I doubt it. But it's a question worth keeping in mind.
I'm unsure if non-profits need be organized in America, or if an uninterrupted span at one place is required, or what, though... the original plan of spending ten years on the government dime didn't raise those issues, as PSLF was assured.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 12:18:46 AM
OH SHIT!
Tim, are any of these companies that do ESL non-profits?
Oh man oh man oh man PSLF...
Public schools aren't in it for the profit, but I'm pretty sure that doesn't count.
Are you legally an employee of the school, or are you an employee of a service?
If you are an employee of the school, it actually might. It absolutely would if it were an American school. (You see that use of the subjunctive? I'm bad-ass.)
On the other hand, I'd be willing to bet a dollar that PSLF is not available for non-American non-profits and non-American government service. It wouldn't make much sense for it too. But if it's a teacher placement service, and they're an American-organized non-profit...
OK, so I'm ignorant of the organization of your industry. Sue me. :(
Quote from: Razgovory on February 15, 2012, 11:34:43 PM
Of course you don't get rich as a civil servant either.
:weep:
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 02:50:46 AM
Are you legally an employee of the school, or are you an employee of a service?
If you are an employee of the school, it actually might. It absolutely would if it were an American school. (You see that use of the subjunctive? I'm bad-ass.)
On the other hand, I'd be willing to bet a dollar that PSLF is not available for non-American non-profits and non-American government service. It wouldn't make much sense for it too. But if it's a teacher placement service, and they're an American-organized non-profit...
OK, so I'm ignorant of the organization of your industry. Sue me. :(
Currently I'm an employee of the Chungnam (province) department of education. At my last school I was directly employeed by my school.
Maybe there's some foreign aid budget for it. :hmm:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi637.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu91%2FMyasishchev%2F5535772218_180dfef23e.jpg&hash=c6fc5d385e6625b6dd11418d73ba709d344b908a)
I told them it'd probably be 6-8 weeks 'cause of the FBI check but she said that other applicants would have that problem so she was not deterred. They want you. (at least the rep I talked to does, she's going to talk to her supervisor about you)
Just get the TEFL asap, I promised that you'd have it in 2 weeks.
Start doing all that stuff I asked, asap.
Ok, word back from the supervisor. If their recruiter can find someone for mid march they'll take them. But if the other applicants also have to wait for the FBI check they'll take you instead. They're salivating over that degree.
Why? :hmm: It doesn't mean he'd make a good teacher. Not to knock Ide... but it's just a weird degree to salivate over if you're in the education business.
Quote from: Caliga on February 16, 2012, 06:39:41 AM
Why? :hmm: It doesn't mean he'd make a good teacher. Not to knock Ide... but it's just a weird degree to salivate over if you're in the education business.
OMG! It says DOCTOR! He must be a GENIUS!!!111
Quote from: Razgovory on February 15, 2012, 11:31:11 PM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 15, 2012, 11:22:04 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 15, 2012, 11:18:47 PM
So is Ide going to be the next member of Languish sent to East Asia? When is this going to end? When we are all over there?
How many of us are already over here? I went Korea->China, Tyr's in Japan, Tim's in Korea and Ide will join him soon (hopefully)... anyone else? Is Pitiful Pathos still over in Asia?
You people are monsters! You are trying to settle Languish member in Asia! When will it end? CdM in the PRC with a wife a kid and a party membership?
I would look so good in a Chairman's tunic.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 12:17:25 AM
I could take the State X bar in the meantime (or even, miraculously, get a civil servant job).
You look into sitting for the Fed? That opens opportunities as well.
Quote from: Caliga on February 16, 2012, 06:39:41 AM
Why? :hmm: It doesn't mean he'd make a good teacher. Not to knock Ide... but it's just a weird degree to salivate over if you're in the education business.
In this part of the world, only the best of the best can get into a law school. A law degree means you are within the top 2-3% of the smartest and most motivated of your age.
Quote from: Monoriu on February 16, 2012, 10:59:45 AM
Quote from: Caliga on February 16, 2012, 06:39:41 AM
Why? :hmm: It doesn't mean he'd make a good teacher. Not to knock Ide... but it's just a weird degree to salivate over if you're in the education business.
In this part of the world, only the best of the best can get into a law school. A law degree means you are within the top 2-3% of the smartest and most motivated of your age.
Just like Ide.
Could someone tell me what Ide did that would cause problems in a background check? This is something I don't know.
Why, so you can throw it in his face the next time you feel whiny?
Quote from: Habbaku on February 16, 2012, 01:09:59 PM
Why, so you can throw it in his face the next time you feel whiny?
Yeah, that wouldn't be bad. I guess I could just ask Korea.
He sold heroin to the Devil.
Sex offender with Korea. Just like the path you are on.
Quote from: Grey Fox on February 16, 2012, 01:48:44 PM
Sex offender with Korea. Just like the path you are on.
Wait, what?
So many hoops to jump through. Seems like the process should be easier.
Quote from: Caliga on February 16, 2012, 06:39:41 AM
Why? :hmm: It doesn't mean he'd make a good teacher. Not to knock Ide... but it's just a weird degree to salivate over if you're in the education business.
No, I fully agree. It's retarded. What if I had an LL.B., like some kind of loser Canadian? It's the same. Thanks Harvard! Your nonsense is appreciated.
Quote from: Grey Fox on February 16, 2012, 01:48:44 PM
Sex offender with Korea.
Not in this state. If we lived in California or Arizona, and perhaps Quebec, yes. But we didn't.
Quebec? I thought their age of consent was like 13.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 16, 2012, 07:26:44 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 12:17:25 AM
I could take the State X bar in the meantime (or even, miraculously, get a civil servant job).
You look into sitting for the Fed? That opens opportunities as well.
Which one? There isn't a single civil service exam anymore, and most posts are filled by regular applications. :unsure:
I wish there was such an exam. It's how my dad landed in his gig. (And I really wish he hadn't left that managerial position and kept advancing in responsibility. "OH YOUR FATHER WAS THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR, YOU SAY?" <_< )
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 16, 2012, 03:38:30 PM
Quebec? I thought their age of consent was like 13.
I said perhaps. I don't know Quebecois law.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 16, 2012, 03:38:30 PM
Quebec? I thought their age of consent was like 13.
Age of consent across Canada was raised to 16 several years ago (with a two years close in age exception).
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 16, 2012, 04:10:53 AM
Ok, word back from the supervisor. If their recruiter can find someone for mid march they'll take them. But if the other applicants also have to wait for the FBI check they'll take you instead. They're salivating over that degree.
:)
I'll get it done as time and (more crucially) funds permit. I go back to work shortly, and need to go by the bank ("what is, how you say, direct deposit?") but I'm off tomorrow, so there should be no issue getting the passport paperwork in then (gotta apply in person, and don't know how long it'll take), and I'll look and see what I need for the FBI check/apostillement in the next few minutes.
Quote from: Barrister on February 16, 2012, 03:44:11 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 16, 2012, 03:38:30 PM
Quebec? I thought their age of consent was like 13.
Age of consent across Canada was raised to 16 several years ago (with a two years close in age exception).
Oh, then I'd be fine.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 03:45:29 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 16, 2012, 04:10:53 AM
Ok, word back from the supervisor. If their recruiter can find someone for mid march they'll take them. But if the other applicants also have to wait for the FBI check they'll take you instead. They're salivating over that degree.
:)
I'll get it done as time and (more crucially) funds permit. I go back to work shortly, and need to go by the bank ("what is, how you say, direct deposit?") but I'm off tomorrow, so there should be no issue getting the passport paperwork in then (gotta apply in person, and don't know how long it'll take), and I'll look and see what I need for the FBI check/apostillement in the next few minutes.
do the FBI check first since it'll take the longest.
EDIT: You got a credit card? They'll pay you back for the ticket within two to four weeks of coming over but you'll have to pay for it at the time you come over and it ain't cheap.
Quote from: Monoriu on February 16, 2012, 10:59:45 AM
In this part of the world, only the best of the best can get into a law school. A law degree means you are within the top 2-3% of the smartest and most motivated of your age.
How does being "the best of the best" mean he'd make a good teacher?
Quote from: Caliga on February 16, 2012, 07:40:43 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 16, 2012, 10:59:45 AM
In this part of the world, only the best of the best can get into a law school. A law degree means you are within the top 2-3% of the smartest and most motivated of your age.
How does being "the best of the best" mean he'd make a good teacher?
Koreans don't think like that. If your smart (can memorize things well), you will be the best. That's why the English curriculum blows here.
Taiwan's is much better from what I hear, and from limited personal experience this seemed to be true.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 03:45:29 PM
gotta apply in person, and don't know how long it'll take
I went to a sleepy post office run by a couple of hicks. In and out in under 30 minutes.
I just think it's weird that someone would assume that, just because someone is 'smart', that automatically means they are also good at conveying their knowledge to others. Then again, there are plenty of professors at American universities who can't teach worth a damn either.
Quote from: Caliga on February 16, 2012, 08:03:38 PM
I just think it's weird that someone would assume that, just because someone is 'smart', that automatically means they are also good at conveying their knowledge to others. Then again, there are plenty of professors at American universities who can't teach worth a damn either.
It seems that the weird East Asian school systems don't see teachers as conveyors of knowledge, but rather like drill sergeants for rote learning.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 16, 2012, 05:59:17 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 03:45:29 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 16, 2012, 04:10:53 AM
Ok, word back from the supervisor. If their recruiter can find someone for mid march they'll take them. But if the other applicants also have to wait for the FBI check they'll take you instead. They're salivating over that degree.
:)
I'll get it done as time and (more crucially) funds permit. I go back to work shortly, and need to go by the bank ("what is, how you say, direct deposit?") but I'm off tomorrow, so there should be no issue getting the passport paperwork in then (gotta apply in person, and don't know how long it'll take), and I'll look and see what I need for the FBI check/apostillement in the next few minutes.
do the FBI check first since it'll take the longest.
EDIT: You got a credit card? They'll pay you back for the ticket within two to four weeks of coming over but you'll have to pay for it at the time you come over and it ain't cheap.
Ruh-roh.
I do, technically speaking, have credit cards.
However, I might remind you that I was unemployed for seven months. -_-
Quote from: Monoriu on February 16, 2012, 10:59:45 AM
In this part of the world, only the best of the best can get into a law school. A law degree means you are within the top 2-3% of the smartest and most motivated of your age.
Well, according to the LSAC, the administrators of the LSAT, I am smarter than 90% of the people in my cohort. Unfortunately, LSAT takers self-select for a very specific, but very severe, form of mental retardation.
Quote from: Caliga on February 16, 2012, 08:03:38 PM
I just think it's weird that someone would assume that, just because someone is 'smart', that automatically means they are also good at conveying their knowledge to others. Then again, there are plenty of professors at American universities who can't teach worth a damn either.
That and having a masters (or, especially a bachellors) doesn't even mean you're smart. It just means you could be bothered to do so.
Quote from: Caliga on February 16, 2012, 08:03:38 PM
I just think it's weird that someone would assume that, just because someone is 'smart', that automatically means they are also good at conveying their knowledge to others. Then again, there are plenty of professors at American universities who can't teach worth a damn either.
My tests are from the textbook. :)
And you can use the textbook too. I don't care.
"And how did we win World War II, class?"
"Atomic and conventional weapons delivered by air, Mr. Ideologue."
"Mr. Ideologue, this is supposed to be an English class."
"And what language built the two most formidable aerial armadas of all time?"
"...English."
"That's right. You get a B+."
"OH MR. IDEOLOGUE NO"
"As are for Airpower Advocates, son. I hope you like putting sawdust down on your smarter peers' kids' puke twenty years from now, suddenly realizing that you have never and will never breed yourself."
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 09:48:59 PM
"And how did we win World War II, class?"
"Atomic and conventional weapons delivered by air, Mr. Ideologue."
"Mr. Ideologue, this is supposed to be an English class."
"And what language built the two most formidable aerial armadas of all time?"
"...English."
"That's right. You get a B+."
"OH MR. IDEOLOGUE NO"
"As are for Airpower Advocates, son. I hope you like cleaning up your smarter peers' kids' puke twenty years from now."
2 fighter groups took off from GERFERSTADT at 9am. with an airspeed of 400 mph, how long would it take them to intercept a bomber formation 500 miles away?
Wasn't airpower ineffective against Germany and worse than useless against Vietnam?
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 09:33:31 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 16, 2012, 05:59:17 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 03:45:29 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 16, 2012, 04:10:53 AM
Ok, word back from the supervisor. If their recruiter can find someone for mid march they'll take them. But if the other applicants also have to wait for the FBI check they'll take you instead. They're salivating over that degree.
:)
I'll get it done as time and (more crucially) funds permit. I go back to work shortly, and need to go by the bank ("what is, how you say, direct deposit?") but I'm off tomorrow, so there should be no issue getting the passport paperwork in then (gotta apply in person, and don't know how long it'll take), and I'll look and see what I need for the FBI check/apostillement in the next few minutes.
do the FBI check first since it'll take the longest.
EDIT: You got a credit card? They'll pay you back for the ticket within two to four weeks of coming over but you'll have to pay for it at the time you come over and it ain't cheap.
Ruh-roh.
I do, technically speaking, have credit cards.
However, I might remind you that I was unemployed for seven months. -_-
What's your credit limit? Like I said, they'll pay you back for the ticket and it's easy to save a grand a month here, so if you can stand the short term pain it's well worth it.
Are they Wilde Sau or Zahme Saue?
If Wilde, then "once the holocaustal light from Hamburg silhouettes them against the ground." If Zahme, then "never, because Himmelbelt has been disrupted by Window and the nachtjaeger are chasing little strips of aluminium."
Quote from: Neil on February 16, 2012, 09:54:58 PM
Wasn't airpower ineffective against Germany and worse than useless against Vietnam?
No, especially after the introduction of the Mustang. Between destroying the Luftwaffe fighter force by forcing them to commit to battle and thus ensuring air superiority over Normandy and subsequently, forcing the deployment of thousands of 88s and other resources better spent in Russia, crippling the Romanian oil industry, seriously disrupting transportation, and--lest we forget--killing like a million German workers, it was pretty useful. And obviously it won Japan almost singlehandedly (the Navy did help secure Tinian).
We never seriously pursued a proper bombing campaign against Vietnam. Arthur Harris would have been appalled by the waste that was Arc Light (despite some interesting outcomes at Khe Sanh and An Loc) and the nancying about that was Rolling Thunder, and would have only begrudgingly accepted the goals of the Linebacker operations. He'd have painted Hanoi and Haiphong with magnesium on the first day.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 16, 2012, 09:58:13 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 09:33:31 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 16, 2012, 05:59:17 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 03:45:29 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 16, 2012, 04:10:53 AM
Ok, word back from the supervisor. If their recruiter can find someone for mid march they'll take them. But if the other applicants also have to wait for the FBI check they'll take you instead. They're salivating over that degree.
:)
I'll get it done as time and (more crucially) funds permit. I go back to work shortly, and need to go by the bank ("what is, how you say, direct deposit?") but I'm off tomorrow, so there should be no issue getting the passport paperwork in then (gotta apply in person, and don't know how long it'll take), and I'll look and see what I need for the FBI check/apostillement in the next few minutes.
do the FBI check first since it'll take the longest.
EDIT: You got a credit card? They'll pay you back for the ticket within two to four weeks of coming over but you'll have to pay for it at the time you come over and it ain't cheap.
Ruh-roh.
I do, technically speaking, have credit cards.
However, I might remind you that I was unemployed for seven months. -_-
What's your credit limit? Like I said, they'll pay you back for the ticket and it's easy to save a grand a month here, so if you can stand the short term pain it's well worth it.
I'm not sure it's possible, dude. I'll look into it.
Quote from: Caliga on February 16, 2012, 08:03:38 PM
I just think it's weird that someone would assume that, just because someone is 'smart', that automatically means they are also good at conveying their knowledge to others. Then again, there are plenty of professors at American universities who can't teach worth a damn either.
In my experience, the purpose of the foreign English teachers isn't to teach the kids grammar. There are other local English teachers who will do that. Their purposes are to
(1) serve as role models on how to speak real English without an accent (something the local teachers simply can't do)
(2) make the kids converse in English (they have no choice but to speak English to Tim and Ide) and
(3) make sure that the lessons aren't just about grammar (a lot of local English teachers suck at speaking English and they are reluctant to speak English themselves for fear of making a fool of themselves in front of their students)
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 10:11:47 PM
No, especially after the introduction of the Mustang. Between destroying the Luftwaffe fighter force by forcing them to commit to battle and thus ensuring air superiority over Normandy and subsequently, forcing the deployment of thousands of 88s and other resources better spent in Russia, crippling the Romanian oil industry, seriously disrupting transportation, and--lest we forget--killing like a million German workers, it was pretty useful. And obviously it won Japan almost singlehandedly (the Navy did help secure Tinian).
Don't be ridiculous. Airpower didn't defeat Japan, the USN defeated Japan. Bombing didn't cripple German industry. Having their industrial centers captured by armies crippled German industry. I will give close air support some credit, but the heavy bombers could have significantly shortened the war by never being built.
QuoteWe never seriously pursued a proper bombing campaign against Vietnam. Arthur Harris would have been appalled by the waste that was Arc Light (despite some interesting outcomes at Khe Sanh and An Loc) and the nancying about that was Rolling Thunder, and would have only begrudgingly accepted the goals of the Linebacker operations. He'd have painted Hanoi and Haiphong with magnesium on the first day.
How would urban bombing have damaged the Vietnamese war effort?
Killed people. Degraded morale. Destroyed their major port facilities.
Quote from: NeilAirpower didn't defeat Japan, the USN defeated Japan
Conceding for argument's sake this is true, the USN defeated Japan
with..? :P
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 10:26:16 PM
Killed people. Degraded morale. Destroyed their major port facilities.
And how would that have helped win the war in Vietnam? Would that have prevented the antiwar movement from agitating surrender?
QuoteQuote from: NeilAirpower didn't defeat Japan, the USN defeated Japan
Conceding for argument's sake this is true, the USN defeated Japan with..? :P
Every weapon at their disposal, including dreadnought battleships.
gedunk ships
Quote from: Monoriu on February 16, 2012, 10:23:55 PM
Quote from: Caliga on February 16, 2012, 08:03:38 PM
I just think it's weird that someone would assume that, just because someone is 'smart', that automatically means they are also good at conveying their knowledge to others. Then again, there are plenty of professors at American universities who can't teach worth a damn either.
In my experience, the purpose of the foreign English teachers isn't to teach the kids grammar. There are other local English teachers who will do that. Their purposes are to
(1) serve as role models on how to speak real English without an accent (something the local teachers simply can't do)
(2) make the kids converse in English (they have no choice but to speak English to Tim and Ide) and
(3) make sure that the lessons aren't just about grammar (a lot of local English teachers suck at speaking English and they are reluctant to speak English themselves for fear of making a fool of themselves in front of their students)
Also IMO there's a big role to be had in making English a real, useful skill.
When I was learning French it was just some boring theoretical bollocks in a text book. Have a young, interesting foreigner around though and it becomes far more of an applicable real world skill.
Though teaching grammar certainly is an important point. I'm always getting questions from Japanese English teachers about little nuances of grammar. Several of them have trouble with the/an
Quote from: Neil on February 16, 2012, 10:24:00 PM
the heavy bombers could have significantly shortened the war by never being built.
How do you propose to deliver the nukes without heavy bombers?
Quote from: Monoriu on February 16, 2012, 10:40:58 PM
Quote from: Neil on February 16, 2012, 10:24:00 PM
the heavy bombers could have significantly shortened the war by never being built.
How do you propose to deliver the nukes without heavy bombers?
Don't care. Nuclear weapons have ruined everything.
Quote from: Tyr on February 16, 2012, 10:38:05 PM
Have a young, interesting foreigner around though and it becomes far more of an applicable real world skill.
Do they ever actually find any of those? :P
I liked the foreign teachers when I was in primary school. Instead of the never-ending exams, tests and exercises, they just talked to us. They came to class, and said today we would talk about the moon. There were no marks to be deducted, no grades given, and no homework. That's all they did. We really enjoyed the opportunity to slack off :bowler:
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on January 31, 2012, 07:57:36 PM
What I think of: Remo Williams :lol:
Ironically, the racist Korean martial arts master in that movie is Joel Grey, who knows no martial arts and is actually Jewish, not asian. His daughter is Jennifer Grey from Ferris Bueller and Dirty Dancing.
What? The HOTT chick in Ferris Bueller is Mia Sara, who is also in Legend with Tom Cruise.
And she is jewish.
Quote from: Siege on February 16, 2012, 11:18:27 PM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on January 31, 2012, 07:57:36 PM
What I think of: Remo Williams :lol:
Ironically, the racist Korean martial arts master in that movie is Joel Grey, who knows no martial arts and is actually Jewish, not asian. His daughter is Jennifer Grey from Ferris Bueller and Dirty Dancing.
What? The HOTT chick in Ferris Bueller is Mia Sara, who is also in Legend with Tom Cruise.
And she is jewish.
Jennifer Grey was Bueller's sister.
Korea?
I think of Yi, that girl band, and fat asian chicks.
Of course, Samsung and Hyundai are the first things that come to mind.
Then Yi.
No offense bro.
Quote from: Tonitrus on February 16, 2012, 11:26:47 PM
Quote from: Siege on February 16, 2012, 11:18:27 PM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on January 31, 2012, 07:57:36 PM
What I think of: Remo Williams :lol:
Ironically, the racist Korean martial arts master in that movie is Joel Grey, who knows no martial arts and is actually Jewish, not asian. His daughter is Jennifer Grey from Ferris Bueller and Dirty Dancing.
What? The HOTT chick in Ferris Bueller is Mia Sara, who is also in Legend with Tom Cruise.
And she is jewish.
Jennifer Grey was Bueller's sister.
Oh. I haven't seen that movie in a while.
Quote from: Neil on February 16, 2012, 10:32:22 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 10:26:16 PM
Killed people. Degraded morale. Destroyed their major port facilities.
And how would that have helped win the war in Vietnam? Would that have prevented the antiwar movement from agitating surrender?
QuoteQuote from: NeilAirpower didn't defeat Japan, the USN defeated Japan
Conceding for argument's sake this is true, the USN defeated Japan with..? :P
Every weapon at their disposal, including dreadnought battleships.
We have fun, don't we? :hug:
Quote from: Monoriu on February 16, 2012, 11:15:45 PM
I liked the foreign teachers when I was in primary school. Instead of the never-ending exams, tests and exercises, they just talked to us. They came to class, and said today we would talk about the moon. There were no marks to be deducted, no grades given, and no homework. That's all they did. We really enjoyed the opportunity to slack off :bowler:
Training the scribes of the People's Republic of China: a new scandal envelopes Newt Gingrich.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 10:15:07 PM
I'm not sure it's possible, dude. I'll look into it.
I'll fucking buy you the damn ticket dude. You can pay me back later.
Like it or not, this is happening. :ph34r:
Oh, I'm sure I could come up with the money, just not from Chase (evil), HSBC (evil), Discover (wise), or Bank of America (evil in their banking practices, but not so evil as to rescind my credit line despite timely payments for years when I needed it most).
I could also cover a lot of your expenses here that first month.
I'll know where you live after all. :menace:
Quote from: Ideologue on February 17, 2012, 12:35:17 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 16, 2012, 11:15:45 PM
I liked the foreign teachers when I was in primary school. Instead of the never-ending exams, tests and exercises, they just talked to us. They came to class, and said today we would talk about the moon. There were no marks to be deducted, no grades given, and no homework. That's all they did. We really enjoyed the opportunity to slack off :bowler:
Training the scribes of the People's Republic of China: a new scandal envelopes Newt Gingrich.
Do you want your ipads or not? :menace:
Quote from: Siege on February 16, 2012, 11:18:27 PM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on January 31, 2012, 07:57:36 PM
What I think of: Remo Williams :lol:
Ironically, the racist Korean martial arts master in that movie is Joel Grey, who knows no martial arts and is actually Jewish, not asian. His daughter is Jennifer Grey from Ferris Bueller and Dirty Dancing.
What? The HOTT chick in Ferris Bueller is Mia Sara, who is also in Legend with Tom Cruise.
And she is jewish.
So why'd you erase your little heartfelt drunken poem thread last night?
Quote from: Ideologue on February 17, 2012, 12:33:58 AM
Quote from: Neil on February 16, 2012, 10:32:22 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 10:26:16 PM
Killed people. Degraded morale. Destroyed their major port facilities.
And how would that have helped win the war in Vietnam? Would that have prevented the antiwar movement from agitating surrender?
QuoteQuote from: NeilAirpower didn't defeat Japan, the USN defeated Japan
Conceding for argument's sake this is true, the USN defeated Japan with..? :P
Every weapon at their disposal, including dreadnought battleships.
We have fun, don't we? :hug:
We really do.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 16, 2012, 10:26:16 PM
Killed people. Degraded morale. Destroyed their major port facilities.
Quote from: NeilAirpower didn't defeat Japan, the USN defeated Japan
Conceding for argument's sake this is true, the USN defeated Japan with..? :P
Submarines -_-
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 17, 2012, 01:01:26 AM
I could also cover a lot of your expenses here that first month.
I'll know where you live after all. :menace:
You should both move to Seoul, or at least Gyeonggi-do.
There's just so much more to do in that city.
If I go back to Korea, I'm not settling for less than Seoul proper.
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 17, 2012, 08:56:53 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 17, 2012, 01:01:26 AM
I could also cover a lot of your expenses here that first month.
I'll know where you live after all. :menace:
You should both move to Seoul, or at least Gyeonggi-do.
There's just so much more to do in that city.
If I go back to Korea, I'm not settling for less than Seoul proper.
I'm much closer to Seoul here in the middle of Chungnam than I was living in Gyeonggi, the time it takes to get there has been cut almost in half. KTX will do that for you.
So, you're doing this shit right?
Yes, although money is an intervening issue. I need to talk to my parents about this.
I guess I could sell my car. But that would not be immediate and it would also put me in a serious bind. And besides, I'll need it if I return.
Most people I know sell their cars when they come over.
Actually, that raises a question--how do I get my stuff to Asia? Cats, okay, that's probably not happening (although I will look into it), but what about my computer? Do they put it in the airplane?
If I were to give someone a 47" TV and a large collection of comics, do you think that would be worth looking after my cats?
Quote from: Ideologue on February 18, 2012, 03:18:33 AM
Actually, that raises a question--how do I get my stuff to Asia? Cats, okay, that's probably not happening (although I will look into it), but what about my computer? Do they put it in the airplane?
If I were to give someone a 47" TV and a large collection of comics, do you think that would be worth looking after my cats?
You can have stuff shipped over but it's a bit expensive. Most people just take two large suitcases and a carry on laptop. You can fit a surprising amount of stuff in that.
You're apartment will have a tv, though not 47''
Buy a cat there :)
Quote from: Ideologue on February 18, 2012, 03:18:33 AM
Actually, that raises a question--how do I get my stuff to Asia? Cats, okay, that's probably not happening (although I will look into it), but what about my computer? Do they put it in the airplane?
Is your computer a desktop? If so, you have to keep in mind that S. Korea uses different electricity sockets from the US. Also different voltage.
Quote from: Monoriu on February 18, 2012, 11:24:08 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 18, 2012, 03:18:33 AM
Actually, that raises a question--how do I get my stuff to Asia? Cats, okay, that's probably not happening (although I will look into it), but what about my computer? Do they put it in the airplane?
Is your computer a desktop? If so, you have to keep in mind that S. Korea uses different electricity sockets from the US. Also different voltage.
They sell converter boxes
Ide, if you computer is a desktop, you are probably not moving it by plane. It is too heavy; you'll exceed the weight limit and pay heavy fines for it. I know because I tried doing it when I moved to Vancouver. Didn't work for me. Had to ship it by boat. The ship took a month to cross the Pacific, then we had to wait a few more weeks for Canadian customs to clear the goods.
It took us 3 months to pack all our stuff and we used up half a standard sized cargo container :lol:
Quote from: Monoriu on February 18, 2012, 11:49:26 AM
Ide, if you computer is a desktop, you are probably not moving it by plane. It is too heavy; you'll exceed the weight limit and pay heavy fines for it. I know because I tried doing it when I moved to Vancouver. Didn't work for me. Had to ship it by boat. The ship took a month to cross the Pacific, then we had to wait a few more weeks for Canadian customs to clear the goods.
It took us 3 months to pack all our stuff and we used up half a standard sized cargo container :lol:
The electronic components weigh ten pounds at most (and a third of that is the CPU's heatsink). The only heavy part is the case, although even the case is only about thirty pounds. There is no way this could not be shipped by airplane for more than $50 or $100; if I disassembled it and bought a new case in Korea, it would all fit in a grocery bag.
why not just get rid of the cats, if it becomes a hassle to find them a temporary home? i mean, i love animals more than the next person, but pragmatism should overcome emotion
Quote from: LaCroix on February 18, 2012, 03:03:19 PM
why not just get rid of the cats, if it becomes a hassle to find them a temporary home? i mean, i love animals more than the next person, but pragmatism should overcome emotion
:rolleyes:
I shipped an 18 kilo box to the states for like $100-150. A ten pound computer should be $50 max
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 18, 2012, 11:21:07 PM
I shipped an 18 kilo box to the states for like $100-150.
:hmm:
How'd Tim get his hands on 18 kilos?
Too fat.
I brought the expensive parts of my computer over in my hand luggage and just got a new dvd drive, case, psu, etc... here.
Ide, would it be better to use your law degree now that you have it? Could you be a lawyer in the air force? Or, perhaps less excitingly, volunteer work while you look for a job?
Has South Carolina hooked you up with interviews (and interview prep)?
Great news, apparently their prospect flaked out. You're in! :o
:cheers:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emofaces.com%2Fen%2Fsmilies%2Fc%2Fchinese-smile.gif&hash=d18034769d8e32b9dde94458291cfc266c9ebea8)
....err....
Quote from: alfred russel on February 19, 2012, 02:25:02 PM
Ide, would it be better to use your law degree now that you have it? Could you be a lawyer in the air force? Or, perhaps less excitingly, volunteer work while you look for a job?
JAG is one of the more competitive areas of law. Everyone wants to do it. You can't just walk in off the street to a recruiter, and casually drop your J.D. on his desk--unfortunately. :(
That said, it does give me pause. On the one hand, the bar will still be here when I get back (unless it isn't, or I don't get back :menace: ). On the other, while by career services' standards I'm "using" my J.D. since Tim's benefactors seem to rather enjoy my "doctorate"--then again by career services' standards I'm "using" my J.D. right now to make salads (oh, btw, I'm being promoted :rolleyes: )--it does seem like a true abandonment of the possibility of a career.
On the third hand, it's very likely I've burned that bridge already. Fuck it.
Unless I get a gov't gig in the next very little while. Iirc, I still have more than a dozen outstanding apps.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 19, 2012, 08:19:50 PM
Great news, apparently their prospect flaked out. You're in! :o
:o
Tim, what is the candy situation in the RoK?
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 10:30:28 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 19, 2012, 08:19:50 PM
Great news, apparently their prospect flaked out. You're in! :o
:o
Tim, what is the candy situation in the RoK?
Some of the stuff isn't quite as sweet, but we got a CostCo near by with American food.
Hurry up and get that FBI check.
Maybe you said so already, but is there a preferred order I should do all this in? I'm thinking--and I believe you are too--the FBI check first, in case they bounce me.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 10:39:08 PM
Maybe you said so already, but is there a preferred order I should do all this in? I'm thinking--and I believe you are too--the FBI check first, in case they bounce me.
FBI check first, then the Passport request. If you haven't done this yet. DO IT TODAY.
Oh, and you need to get the TEFL certificate. It can be done in a single weekend, but then it takes like ten days for the certificate to ship from England unless you have them Fed Ex it.
The other stuff can all be done while waiting for the FBI check.
Well, fine. But I'm gonna be disappointed and out some cash (although the passport is technically useful otherwise) if they bounce me.
Will going to S. Korea to teach English potentially damage your chances of a legal career down the road?
Sort of, but I believe not significantly more so than the gap that already exists.
Hell, if I get to know any Korean attorneys or businesspeople--which I don't know how I would, but it seems more likely to occur than if I'm in South Carolina, I could parley it into legally useful experience, and learning Korean would be a useful skill.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 10:29:52 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on February 19, 2012, 02:25:02 PM
Ide, would it be better to use your law degree now that you have it? Could you be a lawyer in the air force? Or, perhaps less excitingly, volunteer work while you look for a job?
JAG is one of the more competitive areas of law. Everyone wants to do it. You can't just walk in off the street to a recruiter, and casually drop your J.D. on his desk--unfortunately. :(
That said, it does give me pause. On the one hand, the bar will still be here when I get back (unless it isn't, or I don't get back :menace: ). On the other, while by career services' standards I'm "using" my J.D. since Tim's benefactors seem to rather enjoy my "doctorate"--then again by career services' standards I'm "using" my J.D. right now to make salads (oh, btw, I'm being promoted :rolleyes: )--it does seem like a true abandonment of the possibility of a career.
On the third hand, it's very likely I've burned that bridge already. Fuck it.
Unless I get a gov't gig in the next very little while. Iirc, I still have more than a dozen outstanding apps.
I wouldn't give up on using your law degree. On the up side, while I doubt anyone is going to give you credit for using your degree to teach english in Korea, that is a kind of adventure that will cause people to overlook a gap (working in a restaurant, probably not :P).
Career services at USC should really be helping you. Maybe they would have some advice for skill sets you could work on that would make you marketable when you get back. Maybe if you can learn some Korean that could open doors for employment in LA or SF.
Good luck whatever happens.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 10:49:13 PM
Sort of, but I believe not significantly more so than the gap that already exists.
When did you graduate?
Also, does anyone know what happened to disturbed pervert?
Quote from: alfred russel on February 19, 2012, 10:50:51 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 10:49:13 PM
Sort of, but I believe not significantly more so than the gap that already exists.
When did you graduate?
May 2011.
QuoteAlso, does anyone know what happened to disturbed pervert?
Sold for parts.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 10:47:32 PM
Well, fine. But I'm gonna be disappointed and out some cash (although the passport is technically useful otherwise) if they bounce me.
1st of all it will be good to know if that shows up on your FBI check because it's almost certain you will have to get one some time latter in life.
2ndly, as you said, a passport is useful in and of itself and will last ten years.
Whoop, sorry.
QuoteCareer services at USC should really be helping you. Maybe they would have some advice for skill sets you could work on that would make you marketable when you get back. Maybe if you can learn some Korean that could open doors for employment in LA or SF.
They've asked me to come in, and you know, I really should, but they're not really very useful--"here's a job posting from the SC government jobs board, Hunter!" "Yeah, I know, and here are four more that you didn't see; I'm actually better at your minimal duties than you are"--but especially since I've opted out of the bar because of the decline in barred attorney hiring and wages (and I
still say it only seems like a terrible idea in hindsight, and at least saved me a couple of thousand bucks).
By the way, PM me your facebook address
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 10:55:45 PM
Whoop, sorry.
QuoteCareer services at USC should really be helping you. Maybe they would have some advice for skill sets you could work on that would make you marketable when you get back. Maybe if you can learn some Korean that could open doors for employment in LA or SF.
They've asked me to come in, and you know, I really should, but they're not really very useful--"here's a job posting from the SC government jobs board, Hunter!" "Yeah, I know, and here are four more that you didn't see; I'm actually better at your minimal duties than you are"--but especially since I've opted out of the bar because of the decline in barred attorney hiring and wages (and I still say it only seems like a terrible idea in hindsight, and at least saved me a couple of thousand bucks).
But what about the interview prep, the mock interviews, networking opportunities, and career counseling? It isn't just about finding inboxes to send your resume to, and they should help with the other stuff.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 19, 2012, 10:56:36 PM
By the way, PM me your facebook address
I haven't used it in six years, I don't really know it anymore.
If you're coming over seas you'll need it to keep in touch with folks back home.
You on skype then? Email me that address. I need to see how bad your accent really is.
Quote from: alfred russel on February 19, 2012, 10:59:27 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 10:55:45 PM
Whoop, sorry.
QuoteCareer services at USC should really be helping you. Maybe they would have some advice for skill sets you could work on that would make you marketable when you get back. Maybe if you can learn some Korean that could open doors for employment in LA or SF.
They've asked me to come in, and you know, I really should, but they're not really very useful--"here's a job posting from the SC government jobs board, Hunter!" "Yeah, I know, and here are four more that you didn't see; I'm actually better at your minimal duties than you are"--but especially since I've opted out of the bar because of the decline in barred attorney hiring and wages (and I still say it only seems like a terrible idea in hindsight, and at least saved me a couple of thousand bucks).
But what about the interview prep, the mock interviews, networking opportunities, and career counseling? It isn't just about finding inboxes to send your resume to, and they should help with the other stuff.
I did go once, and they treated me like such scum I didn't even get to the stuff I wanted to talk to them about (whether and to what extent they believed my criminal record would impact my ability to get work, anyone they knew in a hiring position in government service--even though I think they're not supposed to do that--etc.). Like, I was really embarrassed to talk to her, because she acted like I was a complete asshole because I didn't have any volunteer experience (yeah, because I got thrown out of the GAL program on my last training day because I had a criminal record--which I disclosed, mind) or a 1L summer internship (I think I had a 2.7 GPA my 1L year, I sucked like a sucking competition in Sucktown, and I was pretty much too depressed/aware of my chances to even try).
Ever since then I've been very avoidant of my CSO, until she sent me the employment survey, which I filled out with gusto. She said she was sorry. But I'm pretty sure she's just going to hit me again.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 19, 2012, 11:05:27 PM
If you're coming over seas you'll need it to keep in touch with folks back home.
Why? If they die or something, I'm sure I'll get an email.
We don't really discuss our personal lives/random bullshit with each other; I mean, I talk to my dad pretty regularly, but only because I'm the only person he knows that gives a shit about ancient history, although also I ask him for money a lot, and in that regard he'll probably be happy not to hear from me for a while; and once or twice a year I talk to my sister for a few hours.
QuoteYou on skype then?
No. Is skype free? Of course, I don't have a microphone either. My service plan may let me just, you know, call you.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 11:08:09 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 19, 2012, 11:05:27 PM
If you're coming over seas you'll need it to keep in touch with folks back home.
Why?
QuoteYou on skype then?
No. Is skype free? Of course, I don't have a microphone either. My service plan may let me just, you know, call you.
Skype is free.
It works the other way around if you have a regular phone. I'll call you.
What's a regular phone? Non-VOIP, or do you mean landline? I'm not trying to be difficult here, I swear. :lol:
I'll PM my number.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 11:13:01 PM
What's a regular phone? Non-VOIP, or do you mean landline? I'm not trying to be difficult here, I swear. :lol:
I'll PM my number.
Cell phone or land line for sure. If you have a phone number I don't see why it wouldn't work.
OK but if you're calling me now hold on, I've got to use the bathroom. I just drank like two sodas with my cheesecake. -_-
The county hiring supervisor should be sending you an email.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 11:19:57 PM
OK but if you're calling me now hold on, I've got to use the bathroom. I just drank like two sodas with my cheesecake. -_-
Situation resolved.
If now's a good time, I'll call sure.
That call cost me $3! :mad:
But could you understand the yokel at all?
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 20, 2012, 12:43:36 AM
That call cost me $3! :mad:
OH FU YOU DIDN'T MENTION IT WAS COSTING MONEY TILL 45 MINUTES IN AND I SAID I WAS SORRY!
And I think you mean 3378 quatloos.
Quote from: katmai on February 20, 2012, 12:44:06 AM
But could you understand the yokel at all?
His accent wasn't that bad. I've heard much worse here, especially from teachers from England or Ireland.
We should change this thread title to "Korea- Not Going".
Chocolate covered Christ, Hunter...can you be any more reticent about getting this shit done? No wonder you're washing dishes with a fucking J.D.
Timmay's trying to hook you up, and you're just bullshitting. Get the fucking TEFL cert, get your fucking passport, and submit your FBI check. All it is is a fucking fingerprint check. Do it this fucking week.
Or, have the balls to tell Timmay you're not really interested. He's retarded, but he's a big boy, he can take it.
I'm emailing the Korean coordinator right now, about setting up a Skype interview (you said we need video, Tim? she doesn't mention it specifically, but she does use the phrase "see [me]"). :mellow:
Jesus, dude, we started this, what, four days ago? SORRY I AIN'T ON THE PLANE YET.
Also, I've been looking at the city I'll be living in, trying to figure out where shit is in relationship to everything else, and tomorrow I'm going to relearn my Hangul to make that process easier, so: :elvis:
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 01:55:25 AM
Also, I've been looking at the city I'll be living in, trying to figure out where shit is in relationship to everything else, and tomorrow I'm going to relearn my Hangul to make that process easier, so: :elvis:
It's a town of about 40k, but it's a concentrated and dense 40k with two rail stations. There are two cities of 500k and one of 1million within 30 minutes by rail from Jochiwon. Seoul is 45 minutes by KTX, 90 by commuter rail.
All kidding aside, though, I'm actually getting kind of excited about it now. It should be fun. I'll be a soldier in the army of the Anglo-American monoculture, yet distant from actual Americans, and surrounded by Asian women.
When you think about it, it's like inviting me to live in my own personal Maslow's pyramid.
Quote from: TimIt's a town of about 40k, but it's a concentrated and dense 40k with two rail stations. There are two cities of 500k and one of 1million within 30 minutes by rail from Jochiwon. Seoul is 45 minutes by KTX, 90 by commuter rail.
I was gonna ask, is it just the google satellite imagery, or is it really that brown? :P
Lot of farmland to the east. Large structures on the south side of town--very tall, apartments?
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 01:52:10 AM
Jesus, dude, we started this, what, four days ago? SORRY I AIN'T ON THE PLANE YET.
Still plenty of time to freak out about the big massive changes this would involve in your life and back out. Or maybe that's just my thing.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 20, 2012, 01:34:18 AM
We should change this thread title to "Korea- Not Going".
Chocolate covered Christ, Hunter...can you be any more reticent about getting this shit done? No wonder you're washing dishes with a fucking J.D.
Timmay's trying to hook you up, and you're just bullshitting. Get the fucking TEFL cert, get your fucking passport, and submit your FBI check. All it is is a fucking fingerprint check. Do it this fucking week.
Or, have the balls to tell Timmay you're not really interested. He's retarded, but he's a big boy, he can take it.
:yes:
He's moving at the speed of constipation.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 02:24:57 AM
All kidding aside, though, I'm actually getting kind of excited about it now. It should be fun. I'll be a soldier in the army of the Anglo-American monoculture, yet distant from actual Americans, and surrounded by Asian women.
When you think about it, it's like inviting me to live in my own personal Maslow's pyramid.
Quote from: TimIt's a town of about 40k, but it's a concentrated and dense 40k with two rail stations. There are two cities of 500k and one of 1million within 30 minutes by rail from Jochiwon. Seoul is 45 minutes by KTX, 90 by commuter rail.
I was gonna ask, is it just the google satellite imagery, or is it really that brown? :P
Lot of farmland to the east. Large structures on the south side of town--very tall, apartments?
Looks like most of the imagery is from March...so after snow melts and before trees get going on leaves. Shit will be brown.
Quote from: garbon on February 20, 2012, 02:27:07 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 20, 2012, 01:34:18 AM
We should change this thread title to "Korea- Not Going".
Chocolate covered Christ, Hunter...can you be any more reticent about getting this shit done? No wonder you're washing dishes with a fucking J.D.
Timmay's trying to hook you up, and you're just bullshitting. Get the fucking TEFL cert, get your fucking passport, and submit your FBI check. All it is is a fucking fingerprint check. Do it this fucking week.
Or, have the balls to tell Timmay you're not really interested. He's retarded, but he's a big boy, he can take it.
:yes:
He's moving at the speed of constipation.
I JUST EMAILED THE COORDINATOR TO SET UP AN INTERVIEW. GOD'S FUCKING WOUNDS.
Besides, Tim was all like, "Fuck it, you won't be able to start soon anyway," and I was like, "Yeah, there is the matter of the bar exam." And then Tim was like--a few hours ago--"Hey guess what! The other guy died or something so they're pretty desperate" and I was all "Oh shit, I guess this is real" and the Korean lady emailed me and I emailed her back even though it's two in the fucking morning in America and Money is going "LOLOLOLOLOL" like usual and now you're pretty much up to date.
I'm pretty sure there ain't no satisfying some of you people unless I teleported straight to Jochiwon and started yelling English phrases at terrified kids right now.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 02:40:48 AM
I'm pretty sure there ain't no satisfying some of you people unless I teleported straight to Jochiwon and started yelling English phrases at terrified kids right now.
At least you'd be doing something. Macht schnell, dammit.
Anyway, I wonder if my accent has actually improved since Yi met me. Since I've been aware of it, I've been trying to minimize it, and if law school didn't do anything else, one might expect it improved my elocution.
Oh, well. That's enough, I gotta get in some CK2 before I go to bed. Duchy of Modena, take 27. -_-
My guess: Ide will go to Korea, within 3 months of arrival start bitching how crap everything is, how he fails at it/social life and how this is a total waste of his time and that it will remove him even further from meaningful and gainful employment.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 02:51:27 AM
Anyway, I wonder if my accent has actually improved since Yi met me. Since I've been aware of it, I've been trying to minimize it, and if law school didn't do anything else, one might expect it improved my elocution.
I like to imagine your posts read by the narrator from Dukes of Hazzard.
Quote from: Syt on February 20, 2012, 02:53:31 AM
My guess: Ide will go to Korea, within 3 months of arrival start bitching how crap everything is, how he fails at it/social life and how this is a total waste of his time and that it will remove him even further from meaningful and gainful employment.
You forgot the part about the fucked up girlfriend with Daddy issues he'll get all torqued up about.
Eh, Korea was very much an American girl. New girlfriend's likely to have an entirely new set of issues.
Quote from: Syt on February 20, 2012, 02:54:37 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 02:51:27 AM
Anyway, I wonder if my accent has actually improved since Yi met me. Since I've been aware of it, I've been trying to minimize it, and if law school didn't do anything else, one might expect it improved my elocution.
I like to imagine your posts read by the narrator from Dukes of Hazzard.
That was none other than the great Waylon Jennings. :mad:
I know, aka as "Ironhead Haynes" from an epic "Married With Children" episode.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 20, 2012, 02:58:37 AM
Quote from: Syt on February 20, 2012, 02:53:31 AM
My guess: Ide will go to Korea, within 3 months of arrival start bitching how crap everything is, how he fails at it/social life and how this is a total waste of his time and that it will remove him even further from meaningful and gainful employment.
You forgot the part about the fucked up girlfriend with Daddy issues he'll get all torqued up about.
I'm on my way back to the top!
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 20, 2012, 01:34:18 AM
We should change this thread title to "Korea- Not Going".
Chocolate covered Christ, Hunter...can you be any more reticent about getting this shit done? No wonder you're washing dishes with a fucking J.D.
Timmay's trying to hook you up, and you're just bullshitting. Get the fucking TEFL cert, get your fucking passport, and submit your FBI check. All it is is a fucking fingerprint check. Do it this fucking week.
Or, have the balls to tell Timmay you're not really interested. He's retarded, but he's a big boy, he can take it.
You took the words from my mouth, Timmay is bending over backwards to hook him up with a sweet deal and he's being incredibly bitchy and difficult to work with at every step, or at least it seems so. Frankly, Ide, with that general attitude it's no wonder that you're stuck.
@HMB: Yeah, I am still here. In fact, I planning on signing a new 2 year contract this week. :sleep:
Quote from: The Larch on February 20, 2012, 04:45:31 AM
You took the words from my mouth, Timmay is bending over backwards to hook him up with a sweet deal and he's being incredibly bitchy and difficult to work with at every step, or at least it seems so. Frankly, Ide, with that general attitude it's no wonder that you're stuck.
It was Tim's idea in the first place. Would you be ready to pack up your life and move halfway around the world in a week because somebody mentioned an idea that caught your fancy? :yeahright:
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 20, 2012, 04:58:27 AM
Quote from: The Larch on February 20, 2012, 04:45:31 AM
You took the words from my mouth, Timmay is bending over backwards to hook him up with a sweet deal and he's being incredibly bitchy and difficult to work with at every step, or at least it seems so. Frankly, Ide, with that general attitude it's no wonder that you're stuck.
It was Tim's idea in the first place. Would you be ready to pack up your life and move halfway around the world in a week because somebody mentioned an idea that caught your fancy? :yeahright:
Ide has been bitching for ages about working in that restaurant and being unable to get any decent job, so it doesn't come from out of the blue. If he doesn't want the teacher job, and there could be reasonable reasons for it as you mention, he should say it outright and not lead Tim on with vague statements. And I don't get why they have to discuss everything in public anyway.
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 20, 2012, 04:58:27 AM
Quote from: The Larch on February 20, 2012, 04:45:31 AM
You took the words from my mouth, Timmay is bending over backwards to hook him up with a sweet deal and he's being incredibly bitchy and difficult to work with at every step, or at least it seems so. Frankly, Ide, with that general attitude it's no wonder that you're stuck.
It was Tim's idea in the first place. Would you be ready to pack up your life and move halfway around the world in a week because somebody mentioned an idea that caught your fancy? :yeahright:
Why not? Tim did. ;)
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on February 20, 2012, 04:51:51 AM
@HMB: Yeah, I am still here. In fact, I planning on signing a new 2 year contract this week. :sleep:
Cool, whereabouts are you?
BTW, I'm open* to suggestions for a radical reinvention of my own life. However, I am not a "people person" and have only an Associate's degree. Any kind of teaching or sales job is right out.
*meaning I'll daydream about it for a week or two before giving up due to real and perceived difficulties.
If that is so, then I apologize to Tim.
I didn't mean to be difficult; if I have been it's because:
1)Yeah, it's a big step, and one I wasn't sure about at first. But after a hundred applications get trashed, the idea that someone actually does value me, even if they're on the other side of the world, is sufficient to move me, even if there's a lot of inertia to overcome.
2)Some of the things by necessity either involve waiting till I can save up the cash--I am not joking, not exaggerating, not putting on a show when I say I barely have enough for my current obligations. And maybe a few hundred dollars is no big deal to you guys, but it's not something I can pull out of my wallet on a whim. I actually wrote a whole thing before I realized that my personal finances are none of your business. Let it be enough that I say ~$300 is a big deal for me.
That said, I'm coming up with it. I'll get my passport tomorrow. I'll call L-1 and see if I can get my FBI check sent to the State Department (or to me, I've got to look up the procedure again) for apostillement, and if not, well, here we go again.
Okay?
3)The uncertainty of the prospect--bear in mind that there were indications that I could not get this specific gig, and the discussion for some time centered around the idea of ESL in Asia in general, and therefore I could focus on more immediate concerns, like moving out over the next few days, paying final bills, etc.; it was tonight that Tim told me that they would like to work with me instead, if they could, and I'm waiting to hear back from the coordinator.
Hopefully, this post seems less "bitchy" than the ones with our usual back-and-forth. The accusation that I've been ungrateful stung, but if there's any truth to that, again, Tim, I'm sorry.
Quote from: The Larch on February 20, 2012, 05:01:42 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 20, 2012, 04:58:27 AM
Quote from: The Larch on February 20, 2012, 04:45:31 AM
You took the words from my mouth, Timmay is bending over backwards to hook him up with a sweet deal and he's being incredibly bitchy and difficult to work with at every step, or at least it seems so. Frankly, Ide, with that general attitude it's no wonder that you're stuck.
It was Tim's idea in the first place. Would you be ready to pack up your life and move halfway around the world in a week because somebody mentioned an idea that caught your fancy? :yeahright:
Ide has been bitching for ages about working in that restaurant and being unable to get any decent job, so it doesn't come from out of the blue. If he doesn't want the teacher job, and there could be reasonable reasons for it as you mention, he should say it outright and not lead Tim on with vague statements. And I don't get why they have to discuss everything in public anyway.
Guess what: we haven't been. ;)
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 05:26:50 AM
2)Some of the things by necessity either
That said, I'm coming up with it. I'll get my passport tomorrow. I'll call L-1 and see if I can get my FBI check sent to the State Department (or to me, I've got to look up the procedure again) for apostillement, and if not, well, here we go again.
Get it sent to you. If you have it sent straight to the state department it will take ages to get done.
Have it sent to you. Then mail it to a courier in DC and have them personally bring it to the State Department. Then it'll be done in like three days instead of taking a month. Unfortunately this is another expense ($50?)
Ah, that's right. :) You said earlier.
I think I've got to get a new one actually--the FBI say to have it apostilled it has to go directly to them, not through a channeling service, which L-1 must be. I guess I've gotta apologize again, though, I assumed the FBI check was waaay more expensive--it says it's only $18.
What the heck did I pay $94 for? :blink: Of course, I bear in mind that the only way the SCSC permits you to have your fingerprinting/background done for the bar is through L-1 Solutions. :whistle: That's nice, SC. Keep it classy.
Hey, does anyone know why do they fingerprint you for a background check? Is it to check to see if your prints match anything from unsolved crimes or something?
I think Ide is understandably...less than 100% enthusiastic about this job. He is obviously overqualified, and he is not going to use the JD that he spent so much time, effort and money getting. When Tim first posted aboubt it, I thought Ide wouldn't take it. Because it may diminish his chances of getting a successful legal career down the line. But I also see that something is better than nothing.
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 20, 2012, 05:02:01 AM
Cool, whereabouts are you?
I'm in Shenzhen, teaching at an international private school. I love my job and I get 14 weeks paid vacation a year. :lol:
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 05:53:47 AM
Hey, does anyone know why do they fingerprint you for a background check? Is it to check to see if your prints match anything from unsolved crimes or something?
Really want to know what an "FBI background check" is? A verification of all the times and reasons you've been fingerprinted before. Dates and jurisdictions, and sometimes the reason, including any times for licensing or other documentation. It's usually less than half a sheet long, looks like a teletype.
In your case, it may be a sheet long. :P
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 20, 2012, 04:58:27 AM
Quote from: The Larch on February 20, 2012, 04:45:31 AM
You took the words from my mouth, Timmay is bending over backwards to hook him up with a sweet deal and he's being incredibly bitchy and difficult to work with at every step, or at least it seems so. Frankly, Ide, with that general attitude it's no wonder that you're stuck.
It was Tim's idea in the first place. Would you be ready to pack up your life and move halfway around the world in a week because somebody mentioned an idea that caught your fancy? :yeahright:
Nobody expects him to be in Korea tomorrow, the process is long and there are many things to do as Tim is saying, but he could still be a bit more forthcoming about it.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 05:28:33 AMGuess what: we haven't been. ;)
I could guess as much. :P
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on February 20, 2012, 07:59:56 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 20, 2012, 05:02:01 AM
Cool, whereabouts are you?
I'm in Shenzhen, teaching at an international private school. I love my job and I get 14 weeks paid vacation a year. :lol:
Are they hiring? :ph34r:
I'm in Shanghai, working for EF. My school is pretty good and well-run, but understaffed. Only get 12 vacation days, not counting holidays, sadly. Fortunately, I don't have to work extra to make up the time off from holidays, and we get a few more days off around the holidays than most Chinese people.
Quote from: Monoriu on February 20, 2012, 06:19:32 AM
I think Ide is understandably...less than 100% enthusiastic about this job. He is obviously overqualified, and he is not going to use the JD that he spent so much time, effort and money getting. When Tim first posted aboubt it, I thought Ide wouldn't take it. Because it may diminish his chances of getting a successful legal career down the line. But I also see that something is better than nothing.
Surely it would do better for his chances than working in a kitchen.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 05:26:50 AM
2)Some of the things by necessity either involve waiting till I can save up the cash--I am not joking, not exaggerating, not putting on a show when I say I barely have enough for my current obligations. And maybe a few hundred dollars is no big deal to you guys, but it's not something I can pull out of my wallet on a whim. I actually wrote a whole thing before I realized that my personal finances are none of your business. Let it be enough that I say ~$300 is a big deal for me.
Credit cards are not just for buying giant TVs at walmart on Black friday, you know.
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on February 20, 2012, 07:59:56 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 20, 2012, 05:02:01 AM
Cool, whereabouts are you?
I'm in Shenzhen, teaching at an international private school. I love my job and I get 14 weeks paid vacation a year. :lol:
They would probably never let me in.
Not that my opinions regarding the PRC or Chinese "traditional medicine" are openly published, but I don't think I'd be able to behave over there.
I'd wind up as a Liberation Theologian minus the collar, with sweet and sour sauce.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 19, 2012, 11:06:36 PM
I did go once, and they treated me like such scum I didn't even get to the stuff I wanted to talk to them about (whether and to what extent they believed my criminal record would impact my ability to get work, anyone they knew in a hiring position in government service--even though I think they're not supposed to do that--etc.). Like, I was really embarrassed to talk to her, because she acted like I was a complete asshole because I didn't have any volunteer experience (yeah, because I got thrown out of the GAL program on my last training day because I had a criminal record--which I disclosed, mind) or a 1L summer internship (I think I had a 2.7 GPA my 1L year, I sucked like a sucking competition in Sucktown, and I was pretty much too depressed/aware of my chances to even try).
Ever since then I've been very avoidant of my CSO, until she sent me the employment survey, which I filled out with gusto. She said she was sorry. But I'm pretty sure she's just going to hit me again.
I can't speak to law, but for me coming out of school the interview process was like a side job. Between mock interviews, strategy prep for interviews, career counseling sessions, networking BS, traveling to interviews, etc. I think I missed about a third of my classes. (I did apply to about 20 jobs, even though I was really targeting about 3, with the rest being practice/fallback). I would have been lost without career services.
Ide's righteous indignation with Career Services pays a salary all its own. :ph34r:
Quote from: Tyr on February 20, 2012, 09:36:41 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 20, 2012, 06:19:32 AM
I think Ide is understandably...less than 100% enthusiastic about this job. He is obviously overqualified, and he is not going to use the JD that he spent so much time, effort and money getting. When Tim first posted aboubt it, I thought Ide wouldn't take it. Because it may diminish his chances of getting a successful legal career down the line. But I also see that something is better than nothing.
Surely it would do better for his chances than working in a kitchen.
He could join the Hong Kong public administration, managed by mono.
Quote from: Monoriu on February 20, 2012, 06:19:32 AM
I think Ide is understandably...less than 100% enthusiastic about this job. He is obviously overqualified, and he is not going to use the JD that he spent so much time, effort and money getting. When Tim first posted aboubt it, I thought Ide wouldn't take it. Because it may diminish his chances of getting a successful legal career down the line. But I also see that something is better than nothing.
Yes and no. I can see how moving across the world is a big deal. Also, there is something to be said on the emotional component of signing up for at least a year of going over there as that puts a definite halt on Ide doing something with his law degree for at least that period. And I get that as even with this restaurant job it has to feel sort of like a temp thing while one waits for an app to finally be accepted. But yeah on the converse, new scene and the opportunity to save bank seem pretty good.
Quote from: Grey Fox on February 20, 2012, 10:01:25 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 05:26:50 AM
2)Some of the things by necessity either involve waiting till I can save up the cash--I am not joking, not exaggerating, not putting on a show when I say I barely have enough for my current obligations. And maybe a few hundred dollars is no big deal to you guys, but it's not something I can pull out of my wallet on a whim. I actually wrote a whole thing before I realized that my personal finances are none of your business. Let it be enough that I say ~$300 is a big deal for me.
Credit cards are not just for buying giant TVs at walmart on Black friday, you know.
From what he pointed out earlier (the length of time unemployed), I'd guess they are mostly maxed out / during that period of time when he says he thought it likely they'd go with someone else, doesn't make sense to take on more debt that you can't afford.
Quote from: Syt on February 20, 2012, 11:47:15 AM
He could join the Hong Kong public administration, managed by mono.
There is the small matter of his Chinese proficiency which he has neglected to mention so far. That includes written Chinese, spoken Cantonese and spoken Mandarin BTW. If he manages these, there is the issue of legal HK residency status, which as a foreigner he will obtain by proving that he has lived here for 7 years. Assuming that he has that, he still has to err pass the background and security checks and I do recall his DUI conviction. If he gets that out of the way, it is only a matter of passing 5 examinations and 3 interviews when competing with 30,000 other local graduates.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 20, 2012, 10:05:02 AM
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on February 20, 2012, 07:59:56 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 20, 2012, 05:02:01 AM
Cool, whereabouts are you?
I'm in Shenzhen, teaching at an international private school. I love my job and I get 14 weeks paid vacation a year. :lol:
They would probably never let me in.
Not that my opinions regarding the PRC or Chinese "traditional medicine" are openly published, but I don't think I'd be able to behave over there.
I'd wind up as a Liberation Theologian minus the collar, with sweet and sour sauce.
I am sure they can't care less what you think about traditional medicine :lol: The only part of China you'll have trouble getting into is Tibet.
Actually, how do the Chinese view Americans in their country? How does the government?
Slantily.
Quote from: Razgovory on February 20, 2012, 08:54:31 PM
Actually, how do the Chinese view Americans in their country? How does the government?
There are plenty of Americans and westerners living in China. It is nothing special. They teach English, work in international companies, and spend money. That's all good for the place. One thing about the Chinese government is that they are very suspicious of NGOs. If you work for Goldman Sachs, that's fine. Greenpeace? Not so much.
Quote from: Monoriu on February 20, 2012, 09:09:21 PM
Greenpeace? Not so much.
Nobody likes those bastards. French dealt with them the best.
Quote from: Monoriu on February 20, 2012, 08:40:44 PM
Quote from: Syt on February 20, 2012, 11:47:15 AM
He could join the Hong Kong public administration, managed by mono.
There is the small matter of his Chinese proficiency which he has neglected to mention so far. That includes written Chinese, spoken Cantonese and spoken Mandarin BTW. If he manages these, there is the issue of legal HK residency status, which as a foreigner he will obtain by proving that he has lived here for 7 years. Assuming that he has that, he still has to err pass the background and security checks and I do recall his DUI conviction. If he gets that out of the way, it is only a matter of passing 5 examinations and 3 interviews when competing with 30,000 other local graduates.
No prob.
Quote from: garbon on February 20, 2012, 12:16:27 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on February 20, 2012, 10:01:25 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 05:26:50 AM
2)Some of the things by necessity either involve waiting till I can save up the cash--I am not joking, not exaggerating, not putting on a show when I say I barely have enough for my current obligations. And maybe a few hundred dollars is no big deal to you guys, but it's not something I can pull out of my wallet on a whim. I actually wrote a whole thing before I realized that my personal finances are none of your business. Let it be enough that I say ~$300 is a big deal for me.
Credit cards are not just for buying giant TVs at walmart on Black friday, you know.
From what he pointed out earlier (the length of time unemployed), I'd guess they are mostly maxed out / during that period of time when he says he thought it likely they'd go with someone else, doesn't make sense to take on more debt that you can't afford.
Yeah, Discover reduced my limit from $8000 to $500, Chase didn't renew my card when it expired, HSBC actually rescinded my card (after I paid it off in full :rolleyes: ), and the only significant-balance line of credit I have left is maxed plus one dollar and expires at the end of February, and I have not so far received a replacement.
Passport in and expedited, and I bought a mike and webcam ( <_< ) to talk to the coordinator. I need to email her back in the next few and let her know that talking at 9 p.m. isn't possible till Friday, since I won't be home till 9:30 at the earliest (9-9 tomorrow, 2:30-9 Wednesday, 9-9 Thursday :bleeding: , off Friday :) ), but anything later, like I suggested to begin with, is A-OK.
Quote from: Monoriu on February 20, 2012, 08:44:56 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 20, 2012, 10:05:02 AM
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on February 20, 2012, 07:59:56 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 20, 2012, 05:02:01 AM
Cool, whereabouts are you?
I'm in Shenzhen, teaching at an international private school. I love my job and I get 14 weeks paid vacation a year. :lol:
They would probably never let me in.
Not that my opinions regarding the PRC or Chinese "traditional medicine" are openly published, but I don't think I'd be able to behave over there.
I'd wind up as a Liberation Theologian minus the collar, with sweet and sour sauce.
I am sure they can't care less what you think about traditional medicine :lol: The only part of China you'll have trouble getting into is Tibet.
Uh huh. HSUS up in this motherfucker, you yellow bastards.
I'd set a chink on fire in protest. LULZ MOO GOO GAI PAN-SEARED BITCH
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 20, 2012, 10:08:44 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 20, 2012, 08:44:56 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 20, 2012, 10:05:02 AM
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on February 20, 2012, 07:59:56 AM
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 20, 2012, 05:02:01 AM
Cool, whereabouts are you?
I'm in Shenzhen, teaching at an international private school. I love my job and I get 14 weeks paid vacation a year. :lol:
They would probably never let me in.
Not that my opinions regarding the PRC or Chinese "traditional medicine" are openly published, but I don't think I'd be able to behave over there.
I'd wind up as a Liberation Theologian minus the collar, with sweet and sour sauce.
I am sure they can't care less what you think about traditional medicine :lol: The only part of China you'll have trouble getting into is Tibet.
Uh huh. HSUS up in this motherfucker, you yellow bastards.
I'd set a chink on fire in protest. LULZ MOO GOO GAI PAN-SEARED BITCH
Man, moo goo gai pan is like bland in bland sauce. And shrimp with lobster sauce looks like an abortion, but tastes worse.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 09:54:05 PM
No prob.
http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/recruit/application/330.html
Quote from: Monoriu on February 20, 2012, 09:09:21 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 20, 2012, 08:54:31 PM
Actually, how do the Chinese view Americans in their country? How does the government?
There are plenty of Americans and westerners living in China. It is nothing special. They teach English, work in international companies, and spend money. That's all good for the place. One thing about the Chinese government is that they are very suspicious of NGOs. If you work for Goldman Sachs, that's fine. Greenpeace? Not so much.
Well, it wasn't always the case.
So is this really going to happen? Is Ide really going off to the Wild East?
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 20, 2012, 10:33:45 AM
Ide's righteous indignation with Career Services pays a salary all its own. :ph34r:
By the way I share Ideo's indignation with career services. When I walked into my career services office and told them I was pulling out of all of my interviews in Winnipeg (because I had lined up a series of interviews in Calgary 100% on my own) they looked at me like I had two heads.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 09:57:31 PM
Passport in and expedited, and I bought a mike and webcam ( <_< ) to talk to the coordinator. I need to email her back in the next few and let her know that talking at 9 p.m. isn't possible till Friday, since I won't be home till 9:30 at the earliest (9-9 tomorrow, 2:30-9 Wednesday, 9-9 Thursday :bleeding: , off Friday :) ), but anything later, like I suggested to begin with, is A-OK.
Good.
FBI check?
Richland sheriff is open Wednesday mornings to fingerprint civilians. I'll be off then to do it. If another PD can do it tomorrow on my break, I'll try then.
I requested a quote for transport of three cats to Jochiwon. I'm not very sanguine about the possibility--Delta's domestic figures are like $200 an animal. There is also the matter of acquiring the documentation proving they're safe--which is retarded, I'm sure cats in Korea are completely disease free. :rolleyes:
My sister basically refused to take care of them, even for $100 a month; she also refused to name a figure at which she would accept them. Evidently she can't be bought, which is purely ridiculous. I feel instead I should contract with someone for whom a $100 check every month (which means about a $50 a month profit) would matter more. My stepsister would be ideal, but that branch of the family is allergic to cats. <_<
Send them to Seedy, he's a sucker for pussy
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 11:31:43 PM
My sister basically refused to take care of them, even for $100 a month; she also refused to name a figure at which she would accept them. Evidently she can't be bought, which is purely ridiculous.
I'd likely refuse to take care of three cats if I were her as well. You don't sound particularly close.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 11:31:43 PM
Richland sheriff is open Wednesday mornings to fingerprint civilians. I'll be off then to do it. If another PD can do it tomorrow on my break, I'll try then.
I requested a quote for transport of three cats to Jochiwon. I'm not very sanguine about the possibility--Delta's domestic figures are like $200 an animal. There is also the matter of acquiring the documentation proving they're safe--which is retarded, I'm sure cats in Korea are completely disease free. :rolleyes:
My sister basically refused to take care of them, even for $100 a month; she also refused to name a figure at which she would accept them. Evidently she can't be bought, which is purely ridiculous. I feel instead I should contract with someone for whom a $100 check every month (which means about a $50 a month profit) would matter more. My stepsister would be ideal, but that branch of the family is allergic to cats. <_<
FFS Hunter - they're cats.
If and when it comes to it, if nobody else will take them, hand them over to the local humane society. Tell them you're leaving for overseas, are very sad, but can not find anyone to take them. They do manage to adopt most pets you know.
I'm speaking as someone who not only owns a cat (Heinsberg :wub:) but has moved him across time zones a couple of times. But if it came between him and me being able to earn a living, there's no question what I'd do.
Quote from: Razgovory on February 20, 2012, 08:54:31 PM
Actually, how do the Chinese view Americans in their country? How does the government?
They really don't seem to care at all, TBH. It's definitely not Soviet-esque here. I don't even get many stares from locals for being a foreigner, but that's because I'm in Shanghai, not Bumfuck, China.
Quote from: Barrister on February 20, 2012, 11:45:00 PM
FFS Hunter - they're cats.
If and when it comes to it, if nobody else will take them, hand them over to the local humane society. Tell them you're leaving for overseas, are very sad, but can not find anyone to take them. They do manage to adopt most pets you know.
I don't think I could ever just abandon a pet like that.
Quote from: Barrister on February 20, 2012, 11:45:00 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 11:31:43 PM
Richland sheriff is open Wednesday mornings to fingerprint civilians. I'll be off then to do it. If another PD can do it tomorrow on my break, I'll try then.
I requested a quote for transport of three cats to Jochiwon. I'm not very sanguine about the possibility--Delta's domestic figures are like $200 an animal. There is also the matter of acquiring the documentation proving they're safe--which is retarded, I'm sure cats in Korea are completely disease free. :rolleyes:
My sister basically refused to take care of them, even for $100 a month; she also refused to name a figure at which she would accept them. Evidently she can't be bought, which is purely ridiculous. I feel instead I should contract with someone for whom a $100 check every month (which means about a $50 a month profit) would matter more. My stepsister would be ideal, but that branch of the family is allergic to cats. <_<
FFS Hunter - they're cats.
Don't start. You know how much they mean to me.
A thought occurred to me while I was getting something to eat: I have a car. I also know someone who would
like to own a car. I am passably certain I could deal with him.
However, the underlying problem is that the only people in this world I can trust to not pocket my money while throwing my cats in a river are my family, and Korea. Unfortunately, in my nuclear family, there is my father and his allergic wife, my allergic stepsister, and my sister.
Some of my extended family may be amenable to a $100-200 (?) stipend and doing me a solid, however. My aunt is a lonely old widower, after all. Cats are the natural accessory to sad women facing the prospect of dying alone. When you think about, I'd be doing
her a favor.
Quote from: garbon on February 20, 2012, 11:54:13 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 20, 2012, 11:45:00 PM
FFS Hunter - they're cats.
If and when it comes to it, if nobody else will take them, hand them over to the local humane society. Tell them you're leaving for overseas, are very sad, but can not find anyone to take them. They do manage to adopt most pets you know.
I don't think I could ever just abandon a pet like that.
Gaol is Beeb's default solution to everyhing.
Quote from: garbon on February 20, 2012, 11:54:13 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 20, 2012, 11:45:00 PM
FFS Hunter - they're cats.
If and when it comes to it, if nobody else will take them, hand them over to the local humane society. Tell them you're leaving for overseas, are very sad, but can not find anyone to take them. They do manage to adopt most pets you know.
I don't think I could ever just abandon a pet like that.
I'm not saying you throw them in a sack in the river.
But if you can't find someone who wants them - let the Humane Society try to find a good home.
Quote from: Barrister on February 21, 2012, 12:07:00 AM
Quote from: garbon on February 20, 2012, 11:54:13 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 20, 2012, 11:45:00 PM
FFS Hunter - they're cats.
If and when it comes to it, if nobody else will take them, hand them over to the local humane society. Tell them you're leaving for overseas, are very sad, but can not find anyone to take them. They do manage to adopt most pets you know.
I don't think I could ever just abandon a pet like that.
I'm not saying you throw them in a sack in the river.
But if you can't find someone who wants them - let the Humane Society try to find a good home.
AKA let them go to a nice farm where they can run around and play with other cats. :x
????
Quote from: garbon on February 21, 2012, 12:07:50 AM
Quote from: Barrister on February 21, 2012, 12:07:00 AM
Quote from: garbon on February 20, 2012, 11:54:13 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 20, 2012, 11:45:00 PM
FFS Hunter - they're cats.
If and when it comes to it, if nobody else will take them, hand them over to the local humane society. Tell them you're leaving for overseas, are very sad, but can not find anyone to take them. They do manage to adopt most pets you know.
I don't think I could ever just abandon a pet like that.
I'm not saying you throw them in a sack in the river.
But if you can't find someone who wants them - let the Humane Society try to find a good home.
AKA let them go to a nice farm where they can run around and play with other cats. :x
The Humane Society does manage to adopt most pets. Not all, but most.
Quote from: Barrister on February 21, 2012, 12:10:56 AM
The Humane Society does manage to adopt most pets. Not all, but most.
That's comforting. :rolleyes:
If not to the Humane Society and his family won't take them, what do you want him to do garbo?
So, your advice to someone who's vowed to never take another animal's life, is to commit the animals he cares more about than most humans to the tender mercies of an organization that will lock them in a cage and "try" not to kill them?
I mean, I'd drive down to Florida and release them into the wild before I took them to Katzenkonzentrationslager. I'll do what I always do. Turn death into a fighting chance to live.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 21, 2012, 12:14:15 AM
So, your advice to someone who's vowed to never take another animal's life, is to commit the animals he cares more about than most humans to the tender mercies of an organization that will lock them in a cage and "try" not to kill them?
I mean, I'd drive down to Florida and release them into the wild before I took them to Katzenkonzentrationslager. I'll do what I always do. Turn death into a fighting chance to live.
Gator bait gotcha.
Quote from: katmai on February 21, 2012, 12:14:06 AM
If not to the Humane Society and his family won't take them, what do you want him to do garbo?
I don't know. I guess I'd try to see if there was someone to adopt them. I can't see Ide just running out to let them get killed for the sake of his career.
Quote from: katmaiGator bait gotcha.
THEY'RE FAST.
Thing is, by month 2 I should have enough money to bring them over if it's truly impossible for someone to keep them long-term.
I really hope my sister needs me to take care of a baby some day. Sorry, sis. No room at the inn.
Quote from: garbonI don't know. I guess I'd try to see if there was someone to adopt them. I can't see Ide just running out to let them get killed for the sake of his career.
Yeah, that's an option on the table.
Here's my choices in order of preference:
1)Have them shipped to Korea, or stack them one on top of the other, put them in a trenchcoat and sunglasses, and buy them an airline ticket. I think this worked on
Rescue Rangers, and even though they were mice and chipmunks, the principle is the same.
2)Pay a relative to keep them until I return next year, or, indefinitely, if I don't come back for a very long time. Maintain ownership and be satisfied in that I am providing for their survival.
3)Adopt out as a single unit. They're a family. I might be gone, but they will have each other.
4)Adopt out individually. They're tough. They'll make it. Also, they
are cats.
5)Send to non-kill shelter.
6)Release into the wild, somewhere south of here, where it maintains mild temperatures year-round. Because the world is kafkaesque and monstrous, I believe this is actually illegal, but option 7 isn't.
7)Send to kill shelter, bear guilt forever.
I guess you felt that last bit was inappropriate given your possibly new overlords? :D
Ideo - the thing about a shelter... is if they can't adopt out the animal, the put it to sleep painlessly.
"Giving them a fighting chance" is code words for 'well they'll get hit by a car or they'll starve to death'.
Hey - if you want to bring them to Korea, and you can, then great. I just would hate to see that be the stumbling block that prevents you from going - if that is what you want to do.
Quote from: Barrister on February 21, 2012, 12:36:21 AM
Ideo - the thing about a shelter... is if they can't adopt out the animal, the put it to sleep painlessly.
Beebs, I get that you are trying to be kind...but really? I don't see how that would at all be comforting. Sorry cats you had to get painlessly put to sleep because I wanted to go work outside the country. Tough breaks.
Quote from: garbon on February 21, 2012, 12:40:43 AM
Quote from: Barrister on February 21, 2012, 12:36:21 AM
Ideo - the thing about a shelter... is if they can't adopt out the animal, the put it to sleep painlessly.
Beebs, I get that you are trying to be kind...but really? I don't see how that would at all be comforting. Sorry cats you had to get painlessly put to sleep because I wanted to go work outside the country. Tough breaks.
If it is between that and "give them a fighting chance"? No question whatsoever. Life is harsh out there.
And not so much "because I wanted to work outside the country" and "I couldn't find a job other than outside the country". I'd hate to see Ideo keep working at his restaurant because he was worried about his cats.
I mean - I'm a cat guy. My cat sleeps curled up in my armpit every night and I love him. But there's only so far I'd go for him.
Quote from: Barrister on February 21, 2012, 12:46:57 AM
Quote from: garbon on February 21, 2012, 12:40:43 AM
Quote from: Barrister on February 21, 2012, 12:36:21 AM
Ideo - the thing about a shelter... is if they can't adopt out the animal, the put it to sleep painlessly.
Beebs, I get that you are trying to be kind...but really? I don't see how that would at all be comforting. Sorry cats you had to get painlessly put to sleep because I wanted to go work outside the country. Tough breaks.
If it is between that and "give them a fighting chance"? No question whatsoever. Life is harsh out there.
And not so much "because I wanted to work outside the country" and "I couldn't find a job other than outside the country". I'd hate to see Ideo keep working at his restaurant because he was worried about his cats.
I mean - I'm a cat guy. My cat sleeps curled up in my armpit every night and I love him. But there's only so far I'd go for him.
I think it is important to remember that other people may feel differently.
In fact, I'm not sure you are using the word 'love' appropriately in this context if 'love' means donate to the death squad when convenient.
Anyway, I'm tired of talking about the cats. Suffice it to say that their welfare is of paramount importance to me.
QuoteDear [last name],
This never,
ever gets old.
HUNTER IS MY FIRST NAME THE OTHER ONE IS MY LAST NAME IT'S WHY THEY'RE IN THAT ORDER.
I guess at least Koreans have an excuse, but still, c'mon.
Um...I just realized this might be a problem, but...how strict is your vegetarianism?
I've got a friend (ex navy/ex Buddhist monk) here who's a vegetarian, but it took him a long time to get a good enough handle on the language and food composition here to go back to it and he still falls off the wagon every now and again since it's pretty hard to practice it in public. Even a lot of vegetable dishes and stuff here are soaked in broths that have fish/meat juice or whatever.
The Korean word for veterinarian literally translates to vegetable activist.
I don't think you'll be able to eat the school lunch, you'll have to bring a bag lunch with you.
Well, the actual word for what I am is eleven syllables long and still doesn't properly convey the nuances (lacto-ovo-pesco-vegetarian, but I try to only eat free-range eggs and only eat non-cephalopod sea creatures, with serious reservations about eating vertebrate sea life, i.e. fish, although I very occasionally, about three times a year, eat salmon with my dad--unfortunately I don't know if there's a prefix for "eater of non-chordates that also are not octopi, squid, or cuttlefish").
The point is, I'm not the strictest you'll ever meet, but I'm reasonably careful.
"Vegetable activist"? :lol: Shouldn't it be the other way around? :hmm:
Anyway, my microphone works but to get the webcam working I need to buy a new SATA cable, because you can't download the drivers from HP and evidently the cable to my BD-RW etc. is broken. That's obnoxious.
P.S.: I don't like my speaking voice much. :( Although my rendition of "Life On Mars" is not half bad.
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 20, 2012, 08:39:24 AM
Are they hiring? :ph34r:
Unfortunately not anymore, and you have to be a certified teacher from my province in Canada anyway. :P But look for other stuff in Shenzhen if you can - I like it more than Shanghai myself, especially in the winter. In fact, I just turned down a job in HK to stay here...
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 11:31:43 PM
Richland sheriff is open Wednesday mornings to fingerprint civilians. I'll be off then to do it. If another PD can do it tomorrow on my break, I'll try then.
I requested a quote for transport of three cats to Jochiwon. I'm not very sanguine about the possibility--Delta's domestic figures are like $200 an animal. There is also the matter of acquiring the documentation proving they're safe--which is retarded, I'm sure cats in Korea are completely disease free. :rolleyes:
My sister basically refused to take care of them, even for $100 a month; she also refused to name a figure at which she would accept them. Evidently she can't be bought, which is purely ridiculous. I feel instead I should contract with someone for whom a $100 check every month (which means about a $50 a month profit) would matter more. My stepsister would be ideal, but that branch of the family is allergic to cats. <_<
You do realize that you won't be able to bring them back, don't you? US Customs will not allow it.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 21, 2012, 03:28:48 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 20, 2012, 11:31:43 PM
Richland sheriff is open Wednesday mornings to fingerprint civilians. I'll be off then to do it. If another PD can do it tomorrow on my break, I'll try then.
I requested a quote for transport of three cats to Jochiwon. I'm not very sanguine about the possibility--Delta's domestic figures are like $200 an animal. There is also the matter of acquiring the documentation proving they're safe--which is retarded, I'm sure cats in Korea are completely disease free. :rolleyes:
My sister basically refused to take care of them, even for $100 a month; she also refused to name a figure at which she would accept them. Evidently she can't be bought, which is purely ridiculous. I feel instead I should contract with someone for whom a $100 check every month (which means about a $50 a month profit) would matter more. My stepsister would be ideal, but that branch of the family is allergic to cats. <_<
You do realize that you won't be able to bring them back, don't you? US Customs will not allow it.
I doubt that, I had a friend bring back a dog she adopted in Okinawa. Just lots of paperwork.
Quote from: garbon on February 20, 2012, 11:54:13 PM
I don't think I could ever just abandon a pet like that.
I couldn't. But BB's a heartless bastard.
Most Humane Society facilities are no-kill facilities, but not all, Ide. Do your research.
Quote from: Tonitrus on February 21, 2012, 03:35:40 AM
I doubt that, I had a friend bring back a dog she adopted in Okinawa. Just lots of paperwork.
Cats =/ dogs. Different protocols.
Edit: just looked it up. Looks like a paperwork headache, like Tonitrus says.
Although, I've heard stories about quarantine down at BWI; not a happy place for a pet.
Actually, I'm pretty sure I need not worry about it.
QuoteThank you for your inquiry regarding the relocation of your pet(s) from South
Carolina to Korea. According to the information you have given, I estimate the
Pet Express move to be approximately $ 5295.00.
Oh my fucking God, you've got to be fucking kidding me. That's literally more than
people cost.
Maybe I accidentally hit DPRK and they've included the charge for fighter escort and anti-air suppression.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 21, 2012, 03:03:48 PM
Actually, I'm pretty sure I need not worry about it.
QuoteThank you for your inquiry regarding the relocation of your pet(s) from South
Carolina to Korea. According to the information you have given, I estimate the
Pet Express move to be approximately $ 5295.00.
Oh my fucking God, you've got to be fucking kidding me. That's literally more than people cost.
Maybe I accidentally hit DPRK and they've included the charge for fighter escort and anti-air suppression.
Trafficking people is illegal. :secret:
Quote from: Ideologue on February 21, 2012, 03:03:48 PM
Actually, I'm pretty sure I need not worry about it.
QuoteThank you for your inquiry regarding the relocation of your pet(s) from South
Carolina to Korea. According to the information you have given, I estimate the
Pet Express move to be approximately $ 5295.00.
Oh my fucking God, you've got to be fucking kidding me. That's literally more than people cost.
Maybe I accidentally hit DPRK and they've included the charge for fighter escort and anti-air suppression.
I'm guessing you were looking at some service that takes care of everything for you - paperwork, flight, quarantine if necessary, and so on. It's probably geared to people who are relocating with their expenses paid and don't care about the cost.
If you're dealing with everything yourself, I don't think it'll cost you more than a few hundred bucks for each (though that may still be too much). It varies a fair bit between airlines, so it's worthwhile to check with each of the airlines if/ when you start seriously considering bringing your cats.
Asiana is one of the Korean airlines (flying out of Chicago, New York and the West Coast). When I googeled their name it seemed to imply that you could fly with the pet in a crate stowed under the seat in front of you; obviously that would only work for one cat. However, it seems that you can't do that on "very long flights" which a trip to Korea most likely would be.
In any case, here are some tips on traveling with animals: http://www.pettravel.com/news_pet_travel_airline_cargo.cfm
Just looking around some more...
On Asiana the cost of shipping the pet with you from the East Coast of the US is $150. It's basically charged as extra luggage on a per piece basis, if I read it correctly.
http://au.flyasiana.com/Global/AU/en/homepage?fid=INFO17430
QuotePiece System: Both PETC and AVIH will be charged 200% of excess baggage charge per one way. Click to go to Excess Baggage Charge
Weight System: Total Weight (including cage) X 1.5% of normal one way economy fare.
For more information please contact our Reservation Specialist.
http://au.flyasiana.com/Global/AU/en/homepage?fid=INFO15300
Download the appropriate forms here: http://au.flyasiana.com/Global/AU/en/homepage?fid=INFO18300
I haven't looked at the other airlines, but I expect the policies to be more or less the same. You'll want to try to fly direct if at all possible, I think.
Yeah but what about customs?
I know if I tried to bring my cat to the UK, he would have to be in quarantine for six months or something like that.
Ide might try writing an email to the Korean embassy with his question:
[email protected] - other than that, I'm sure there must be some expat communities out there with practical experience on the process.
Some other links on the process:
http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/bringing-pets-to-south-korea
http://www.petrelocation.com/resources/international-regulations/south-korea
It seems to me that pets just need general veterinarian paperwork, and nothing more.
I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask the airlines if they know anything about the subject.
As for bringing them back, it seems like it shouldn't be a big problem either. Basically, it sounds like they look at the cat and if looks healthy you're fine. If not, you'll have to pay for a vet to look at it and declare that it has no communicable diseases. You should probably have microchips and rabies shots and all the usual good pet owner stuff sorted, though.
http://www.immihelp.com/immigration/pets.html
Quote from: Ideologue on February 21, 2012, 02:38:11 AM
P.S.: I don't like my speaking voice much. :(
Why not? Sounds fine to me. :hmm:
I sound a little goofy. Not authoritative enough.
Jake: thanks for the links, I'll check 'em out. I'd looked into the paperwork for getting animals into the RoK, it doesn't seem ridiculous (well, not moreso than I expected--I'm sure every cat in Korea is perfectly healthy, and my indoor cats who have never seen another animal in three years, other than a couple dozen humans, each other, and a dog, are some sort of apocalyptic vector akin to a smallpox-ridden blanket).
OK, I'm reading Title IV of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 (Public Service Loan Forgiveness).
Quote from: Public Law 110-84(B) Public service job.--The term `public service
job' means--
``(i) a full-time job in emergency management,
government, military service, public safety, law
enforcement, public health, public education
(including early childhood education), social work
in a public child or family service agency, public
interest law services (including prosecution or
public defense or legal advocacy in low-income
communities at a nonprofit organization), public
child care, public service for individuals with
disabilities, public service for the elderly,
public library sciences, school-based library
sciences and other school-based services, or at an
organization that is described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such
Code; or
:hmm:
I'm noting carefully they say nothing about American public education.
I'm noting carefully how "government" is singled out in that list, meaning that even if "government" means "American government or subordinate state government" it is in a different set that "public education," which my prospective school certainly is, being administered and funded by a county government, just not one of
our county governments.
The cockblocks in the Department of Education, meanwhile:
Quote from: 34 C.F.R. 685.219Public service organization means:
(1) A Federal, State, local, or Tribal
government organization, agency, or
entity;
(2) A public child or family service
agency;
(3) A non-profit organization under
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code that is exempt from taxation
under section 501(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code;
(4) A Tribal college or university; or
(5) A private organization that—
(i) Provides the following public services:
Emergency management, military
service, public safety, law enforcement,
public interest law services, early
childhood education (including licensed
or regulated child care, Head Start,
and State funded pre-kindergarten),
public service for individuals with disabilities
and the elderly, public health
(including nurses, nurse practitioners,
nurses in a clinical setting, and fulltime
professionals engaged in heath
care practitioner occupations and
health care support occupations, as
such terms are defined by the Bureau
of Labor Statistics), public education,
public library services, school library
or other school-based services; and
(ii) Is not a business organized for
profit, a labor union, a partisan political
organization, or an organization
engaged in religious activities, unless
the qualifying activities are unrelated
to religious instruction, worship services,
or any form of proselytizing.
Oh, in case you missed it:
Quote(2) A public child or family service
agency;
Hm. Is this supposed to mean something specific? Like a Child
and Family Services Agency, capitalized and doing something well-defined (e.g., http://cfsa.dc.gov/DC/CFSA )? I think they should have used the right conjunction if they want it to mean that. Because a "child service agency" easily encompasses a public school in Yeongi-kongju. I'm just saying a plain reading only requires the organization to be 1)public (check), and 2)to provide services (check) to 3)children (or, possibly, "a child") (check). Way to write a reg, Education. You can't even do that correctly.
Anyway, the other alternative is to start my own 501(c). I'm thinking the Airpower Institute, under 501(c)(19).
Quote from: I.R.C. 501(c)(19)(B)(B) at least 75 percent of the members of which are past or present members of the Armed Forces of the United States and substantially all of the other members of which are individuals who are cadets or are spouses, widows,, [3] widowers, ancestors, or lineal descendants of past or present members of the Armed Forces of the United States...
Check.
OK, Tonitrus, I need you and two other guys.
Interview's Friday night. :)
In related news, I really cannot sing in my upper register anymore. I'm on the edge of 30, experiencing a total eclipse of the voice.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 22, 2012, 03:19:53 AM
Interview's Friday night. :)
In related news, I really cannot sing in my upper register anymore.
Does that mean you recently flubbed an audition for a musical?
Quote from: Ideologue on February 21, 2012, 03:03:48 PM
Actually, I'm pretty sure I need not worry about it.
QuoteThank you for your inquiry regarding the relocation of your pet(s) from South
Carolina to Korea. According to the information you have given, I estimate the
Pet Express move to be approximately $ 5295.00.
Oh my fucking God, you've got to be fucking kidding me. That's literally more than people cost.
Maybe I accidentally hit DPRK and they've included the charge for fighter escort and anti-air suppression.
It's $295 for the move, and $5,000 to prevent the Koreans from serving up your pets as dinner. :P
I wonder if I can get a doc review project in before I go. I got a cold solicit from some lady who saw my resume, and my buddy (whom I think wants me to stay because we're the only two of the gang still here :sadblush: ) keeps telling me I'm being crazy and is pushing me to get a HireCounsel gig.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 22, 2012, 01:55:15 AM
Anyway, the other alternative is to start my own 501(c). I'm thinking the Airpower Institute, under 501(c)(19).
Quote from: I.R.C. 501(c)(19)(B)(B) at least 75 percent of the members of which are past or present members of the Armed Forces of the United States and substantially all of the other members of which are individuals who are cadets or are spouses, widows,, [3] widowers, ancestors, or lineal descendants of past or present members of the Armed Forces of the United States...
Check.
OK, Tonitrus, I need you and two other guys.
So long as we strongly support heavy bombers and close air support. Screw those fighter jock jack-offs.
The bomber always gets through.
Gah. "Hi I'm from Korea and my microphone doesn't work." :lol:
One thing I did like about this interview was that the questions weren't retarded, and actually related to the job (not any of this "when did you synergize with the paradigm" bullshit). She threw me on what I knew about the cultural differences, though. I'm plenty aware of the cultural differences between Koreans and Americans, of course, but very few positive things came to mind. So I rambled about how Korea is an "old nation, young state" (yes, I'm a jackass who says shit like that when cornered) and "the Chosen civilization" (not like Jews, like Reservoir) and restrained myself from mentioning the war. Either one.
My favorite (sincerely, not being a sarcastic jerk) questions were 1)"What would you do if a child seemed uninterested in learning?" The real answer, I expect, is "tell his horrible Korean parents who will beat and/or shame him until he magically becomes interested," but my way was way more diplomatic--explaining how in a globalized world you can't be top-flight without knowing the global language, but if that doesn't work because he's 12, explaining how he has to learn some foreign language, and English is the easiest, way easier than Chinese; 2)"Why do you want to teach English to foreigners?", to which I elaborated upon how it makes a world a better place when someone from Korea and someone from India can mutually communicate, even if, regrettably, no Americans are actually involved; and 3)the one where I talked about how communicating legalese to braindead moron criminal defendants is probably harder than teaching an enthusiastic Korean student.
Generally, I think I rambled a lot less than I usually do in interview situations, even if a good 25% of the conversation was me saying "What? Your audio cut out." :shrug:
Of course, I get so few. Maybe Al was right, and I should have done some mock ones with career services. Anyway, I'm just glad she didn't ask me to pan the camera around the room to get a sense of what a gross fuck I am.
If I were in charge, I would so do that.
The webcam setup kind of sucks because when I'm looking at the screen, and thus the interviewer, it appears that I'm looking down like a dork. So I had to keep staring into the camera and missing body language, facial expressions, etc. I think she liked me okay. I said her English was good (it wasn't).
I also managed to avoid the following topics: fleeing from underemployment, escaping the coming collapse of the West, and fucking Asian chicks--i.e., my actual goals.
Well for the love of God, if they ask how you learned about the program, don't link them here. In fact you might not want to tell them that it was recommended to you by a group of people on the internet who you barely know.
I just mentioned Tim. They didn't ask any follow up questions. If they did, we had a plan for that, because we're of subtle and overwhelming intellect.
I will say this--I wish every interview I've ever had was with someone who spoke English as a second language. It brings them down a notch.
Did your plan involve violence? Cause most of my plans involve that.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 01:12:47 AM
I just mentioned Tim. They didn't ask any follow up questions.
Obviously.
Well, just explaining that we're nerds.
In fact, I'm not sure why I don't know Tim in RL--I vaguely remember there was something preventing the Metrolina Languishites from seeing Tim when he was down here. Probably the neverending battle that is door-to-door encyclopedia sales.
Chosin Reservoir. :nerd:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 24, 2012, 01:28:43 AM
Chosin Reservoir. :nerd:
Pronounced the same in English. :P
Hangul might be identical, might not be.
One thing I found weird was their insistence on visual contact, and the requirement to mail "two pieces of [my] picture." Do they bounce you if you're ugly or something?
Luckily, I look sharp in my suit.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 12:54:51 AM
So I rambled about how Korea is an "old nation, young state" (yes, I'm a jackass who says shit like that when cornered) and "the Chosen civilization" (not like Jews, like Reservoir) and restrained myself from mentioning the war. Either one.
lol, way to go, MacArthur.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 01:38:30 AM
One thing I found weird was their insistence on visual contact, and the requirement to mail "two pieces of [my] picture." Do they bounce you if you're ugly or something?
Luckily, I look sharp in my suit.
They prefer someone white I guess.
Probally for visa stuff and whatnot. In Japan and a lot of European countries it is also normal to include your photo on your CV, maybe Korea too.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 01:12:47 AM
I will say this--I wish every interview I've ever had was with someone who spoke English as a second language. It brings them down a notch.
:weep:
Quote from: Razgovory on February 24, 2012, 01:15:45 AM
Did your plan involve violence? Cause most of my plans involve that.
Elaborate.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 01:00:46 AM
I also managed to avoid the following topics: fleeing from underemployment, escaping the coming collapse of the West, and fucking Asian chicks--i.e., my actual goals.
:yes: Lord knows that's the Holy Trinity of why I'm here.
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on February 24, 2012, 07:44:39 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 01:00:46 AM
I also managed to avoid the following topics: fleeing from underemployment, escaping the coming collapse of the West, and fucking Asian chicks--i.e., my actual goals.
:yes: Lord knows that's the Holy Trinity of why I'm here.
What's your plan anyway? To be a lifer?
I do hear China is better on the girl front...
Quote from: Tyr on February 24, 2012, 07:50:29 AM
I do hear China is better on the girl front...
I'm sure 60 miles inland from the coast, he can have his pick of the litter from www.matchsqualor.com.
I clicked on that. It didn't work. I was vaguely disappointed.
Damned PRC and censorship.
Commies. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on February 24, 2012, 07:44:39 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 01:00:46 AM
I also managed to avoid the following topics: fleeing from underemployment, escaping the coming collapse of the West, and fucking Asian chicks--i.e., my actual goals.
:yes: Lord knows that's the Holy Trinity of why I'm here.
:cheers:
Actually, at this point I'd like to fuck a white chick, just for the novelty :blush:
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 24, 2012, 05:01:46 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on February 24, 2012, 01:15:45 AM
Did your plan involve violence? Cause most of my plans involve that.
Elaborate.
Hit people with a chair leg or something. Always a crowd pleaser.
Sounds like WWE shit. Hit them with something solid that's not going to break apart on contact. :contract:
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 24, 2012, 10:13:17 AM
Sounds like WWE shit. Hit them with something solid that's not going to break apart on contact. :contract:
I never gave much thought to the well being of the chair.
You want to be able to hit them again, don't you? :huh:
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 24, 2012, 11:35:00 AM
You want to be able to hit them again, don't you? :huh:
Once or twice is usually enough.
You must not be all that mad. ^_^
Good work on the interview :cheers:
Quote from: HisMajestyBOB on February 24, 2012, 09:09:23 AM
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on February 24, 2012, 07:44:39 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 01:00:46 AM
I also managed to avoid the following topics: fleeing from underemployment, escaping the coming collapse of the West, and fucking Asian chicks--i.e., my actual goals.
:yes: Lord knows that's the Holy Trinity of why I'm here.
:cheers:
Actually, at this point I'd like to fuck a white chick, just for the novelty :blush:
Yeah? You and me both. FU.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 01:34:10 AM
Pronounced the same in English. :P
Hangul might be identical, might not be.
Chosen is the Japanese colonial name for Korea, and also what North Koreans call Korea now, so you might want to tread carefully with your pronounciation. :ph34r:
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 01:12:47 AMI will say this--I wish every interview I've ever had was with someone who spoke English as a second language. It brings them down a notch.
Why? It should make you appreciate the bigger efforts they've had to make to get to the position they are. ;)
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 24, 2012, 03:15:33 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 01:34:10 AM
Pronounced the same in English. :P
Hangul might be identical, might not be.
Chosen is the Japanese colonial name for Korea, and also what North Koreans call Korea now, so you might want to tread carefully with your pronounciation. :ph34r:
조선 (if I were transliterating, I'd call it Zhosun, 'cause that's what my authoritative handwritten chart says), is also the name of the most ancient state that has any continuity with modern Korea). It's where the DPRK got it from--and that's what I was referring to, as was clear in context (and I told her I knew the DPRK called the nation that). Then again, the only reason that happened is because I screwed myself by referring to Korea as a "young country," which is true if you know English, but I had to correct and say "young state" and impose upon her that I realized that Koreans had a 2300+ year history as a people/nation, starting with the Chosen/Josen/Zhosun/조선 Kingdom.
Apparently the reservoir's name is 장진. Well, it's
close. -_-
Anyway, why do Korean people assume English names? Yes, we may butcher it (but transliterating 이 for Lee isn't helping), but I wouldn't assume a completely unrelated Korean name. At most, I would localize my name (i.e., John-->Ivan in Russia... this doesn't really apply to me; Hunter-->Jaeger? in Germany :hmm: ), but personally I don't think I'd use that kind of whiteface.)
Quote from: The Larch on February 24, 2012, 03:59:07 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 01:12:47 AMI will say this--I wish every interview I've ever had was with someone who spoke English as a second language. It brings them down a notch.
Why? It should make you appreciate the bigger efforts they've had to make to get to the position they are. ;)
I just mean that they seem to give you a greater benefit of the doubt when you say something pointless/nonresponsive, because their limited fluency suggests to them that the problem might be on their end.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 04:36:09 PM
Quote from: The Larch on February 24, 2012, 03:59:07 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 01:12:47 AMI will say this--I wish every interview I've ever had was with someone who spoke English as a second language. It brings them down a notch.
Why? It should make you appreciate the bigger efforts they've had to make to get to the position they are. ;)
I just mean that they seem to give you a greater benefit of the doubt when you say something pointless/nonresponsive, because their limited fluency suggests to them that the problem might be on their end.
You might be surprised to know that some non-native speakers are fluent enough to catch fumbling answers from native speakers. ;) ;)
Languishites don't count. You guys have had the benefit of learning from some of the finest English speakers in the World Civilizational Core. :bowler:
Quote from: Ideologue on February 24, 2012, 08:06:13 PM
Languishites don't count. You guys have had the benefit of learning from some of the finest English speakers in the World Civilizational Core. :bowler:
:lmfao:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.demoties.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F05%2Fmay-4-4.jpg&hash=68f984eab1386eba35fedfb29f5d86d2444485f6)
Well, fuck. They need someone who can be there, like, tomorrow. Offer rescinded, albeit with a profuse if somewhat disfluent apology and a "we'll keep you in mind" statement that somehow seems less phony than when Americans do it. And I'll keep that in mind too.
It's not my fault. Probably. Maybe it is. I mean, I do suck. However, I thought I hid it better.
Does the State Department do refunds? Actually, I suppose I have a weak Sec. 90 case against Yeongi, but whatever.
Anyway, I understand their problem. I'm not really angry, just disappointed. :(
Like I told Tim, that's two out of three jobs that vanished into the ether. Interview for Dept. of Consumer Affairs today (wish me luck -_- ).
And there's always the job I have. :grr:
Damn, that sucks.
Well, it isn't hard to get a job in East Asia if you're white, English speaking and have a degree. It remains an option.
If you've got all the shit together - or in the works - that you can go teach English overseas, there's nothing preventing you from trying to find other teaching English jobs overseas once all the paperwork has arrived.
I agree - if the "teaching English in Asia" thing is what you want, a little persistance and you should have no problem lining up a position sooner or later.
Oh, sure. I know. :)
Interview: I think I did okay. This means they wanted me out of the building, and perhaps existence, as fast as possible, doesn't it? >_<
On the plus side, I pronounced "Firenze" correctly (thanks Paradox!) to the Italian Catholic lady and I'm a fellow alum to the hunting/fishing guy ("fishing is okay, but I don't like hunting because I get lost" :rolleyes: ). They thought my jokes were funny. They seemed happy with the research I'd done into their agency. Emphasized socialism and statism without mentioning actual words, and commitment to civil service, without mentioning PLSF.
Should not have mentioned salary. It's just it was the only question I could think of that wasn't stupid or already answered by their (very thorough) presentation of the job (which actually, no joke, sounds awesome--a real entry-level, training position that alternates substantive analytical work with sometimes answering the phone and doing other dumb-person stuff). That said, it did seem like a valid question, since the range quoted in the posting was like $20-$40k, a huge fucking variation. I suppose I could've just found out and then turned it down (lol sure) if it sucked.
Oh, but you know what's hilarious, and maybe telling:
They never once asked me about taking the bar, or practicing law. :lol:
Not even the lawyer.
That's good. Yeah, salary was premature. You didn't have on hand questions like what type of individuals fit in well here, what's the company culture like?
Quote from: Ideologue on February 28, 2012, 03:37:19 PM
Oh, but you know what's hilarious, and maybe telling:
They never once asked me about taking the bar, or practicing law. :lol:
Not even the lawyer.
Telling indeed.
Kid, I've met a lot of lawyers in my time, and the ones that were glad they were practicing law were in the distinct minority.*
*And yes, that included the ones that were still in substance abuse programs.
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on February 24, 2012, 09:15:53 PM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.demoties.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F05%2Fmay-4-4.jpg&hash=68f984eab1386eba35fedfb29f5d86d2444485f6)
I think they altered the word "Welcome" in photo shop.
Quote from: garbon on February 28, 2012, 03:39:24 PM
That's good. Yeah, salary was premature. You didn't have on hand questions like what type of individuals fit in well here, what's the company culture like?
I'm not very experienced at this.
If it's any better, I actually phrased it as a question about grading/pay banding, saying I wasn't sure what the huge salary range meant. U.S. government jobs are usually ultra upfront about pay and grade, and where you begin in grade seems to be a big deal.
It's not a company, though. The culture is caring about the working human. That was all pretty clear. But yeah I should've come up with some questions that didn't suck.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 28, 2012, 03:45:32 PM
I'm not very experienced at this.
Aka should have used campus recruiting for mock interviews? :P
Quote from: Ideologue on February 28, 2012, 03:45:32 PM
Quote from: garbon on February 28, 2012, 03:39:24 PM
That's good. Yeah, salary was premature. You didn't have on hand questions like what type of individuals fit in well here, what's the company culture like?
I'm not very experienced at this.
If it's any better, I actually phrased it as a question about grading/pay banding, saying I wasn't sure what the huge salary range meant. U.S. government jobs are usually ultra upfront about pay and grade, and where you begin in grade seems to be a big deal.
It's not a company, though. The culture is caring about the working human. That was all pretty clear. But yeah I should've come up with some questions that didn't suck.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with asking about salary. It's uncomfortable, but it has to be done, and they understand why.
Just make sure it isn't your only question.
Money - I'm glad to be practicing law. :)
I also asked if "pre-need" (lol) funeral contracts were common. It's something they regulate, and it interested me. I thought most people handled that either through life insurance or indigent body disposal. (I've opted for the latter plan.)
Apparently they have an ex-mortician who handles all that (it's a small department). I called that some job-relevant experience. Also, spooky. :P
I don't know about Korea, but in HK at least, every school has at least one foreign English teacher. If even half the schools in Japan, Taiwan and S.Korea, and 5% of the schools in China has this requirement, the number of job openings is very high. If you want it, I am sure you can find another job easily.
Why the fuck would you want to go over to asia, silly Ide.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 28, 2012, 03:45:32 PM
It's not a company, though. The culture is caring about the working human.
Companies care about "the working human", if by working humans you mean (some of) the humans working for them. :bowler:
He wants to be an Uncle Remus figure too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX44YHK5Bik (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX44YHK5Bik)
I miss Song of the South. :weep:
I've finally escaped from minimum security lock down, otherwise known as Chungnam English Teacher Orientation! :w00t:
Quote from: Ideologue on February 28, 2012, 09:58:15 AM
Well, fuck. They need someone who can be there, like, tomorrow. Offer rescinded, albeit with a profuse if somewhat disfluent apology and a "we'll keep you in mind" statement that somehow seems less phony than when Americans do it. And I'll keep that in mind too.
It's not my fault. Probably. Maybe it is. I mean, I do suck. However, I thought I hid it better.
Does the State Department do refunds? Actually, I suppose I have a weak Sec. 90 case against Yeongi, but whatever.
Anyway, I understand their problem. I'm not really angry, just disappointed. :(
Like I told Tim, that's two out of three jobs that vanished into the ether. Interview for Dept. of Consumer Affairs today (wish me luck -_- ).
And there's always the job I have. :grr:
No refunds from the government.
Anyways, she's no doubt sincere. I guarantee if you keep looking you'll get a good job here.
Any mix up is their fault. Koreans change their minds at the drop of a hat and don't tell anyone else about it until it's too late, and the people at the bottom of the organizational chart get shafted because of it. You just gotta learn to roll with it.
... well then, try not to drop your hat? :bowler:
If you're interested in Shanghai, I can try and help you get here. My school in particular desperately needs foreign teachers, so I can talk with my boss and see if there's a way he can bring you in without the slow-as-molasses HQ hiring process.
And if you're still interested in Korea, I know/knew someone who runs a hagwon (aka after-school language academy) in Seoul. However, I'm not sure if she'll hire someone who isn't in Korea yet. But I can still ask.
I dunno. PRC scares me.
I'm actually thinking, if things pan poorly viz. the newest crop of job stuff, Japan. I mean, I told the Korean folks that Korea was my favorite, but that was a lie.
Ide, I must protest
Japan isn't big enough for the both of us
Quote from: Ideologue on February 29, 2012, 12:38:43 AM
I dunno. PRC scares me.
We'd come get you.
DINNER OUT IS A GO
Quote from: Lettow77 on February 29, 2012, 12:42:20 AM
Ide, I must protest
Japan isn't big enough for the both of us
Because you're too fat so there's no room? :huh:
it is indeed :(
what if ide gets there a full year before I do
and in that intervening period of time the japanese realize how disgusting and inferior southerners are
my entry depends on their ignorance to the wider world and our region in particular
I'm not inferior. I'm a doctor.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 29, 2012, 12:42:46 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on February 29, 2012, 12:38:43 AM
I dunno. PRC scares me.
We'd come get you.
DINNER OUT IS A GO
Better make it quick.
Heavy bombers don't discriminate. :sleep:
It's not even cool anymore. In 1945, you could see the bomber stream blot out the sun like a cloud of Persian arrows. These days it'd just be some drone that missed the "spontaneous" rioing crowd and hit the consulate full of expat American supplicants instead.
Nobody appreciates my Spy Game reference. :cry:
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 29, 2012, 01:28:46 AM
Nobody appreciates my Spy Game reference. :cry:
I didn't want to admit I didn't get it. :(
Quote from: Ideologue on February 29, 2012, 01:31:55 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 29, 2012, 01:28:46 AM
Nobody appreciates my Spy Game reference. :cry:
I didn't want to admit I didn't get it. :(
Go watch that movie, dammit. It's pretty cool.
Quote from: Ideologue on February 29, 2012, 12:38:43 AM
I dunno. PRC scares me.
I'm actually thinking, if things pan poorly viz. the newest crop of job stuff, Japan. I mean, I told the Korean folks that Korea was my favorite, but that was a lie.
Almost impossible to get in without doing JET, you willing to wait 'till August 2013?
Thats not true, there are lots of other options than Jet- though Jet is in most ways the best one.
I've even heard many stories of people just coming to Japan and getting a job within a few days. Once you're here it is freaking easy to just walk into a job.
re: the interview. Yes, I really hate the asking questions part too. I mean, I do my research before hand, I know all I need to know....and its not like I can picky about jobs, if I'm being interviewed there I want to be there!
Quote from: Tyr on February 29, 2012, 02:40:10 AM
Thats not true, there are lots of other options than Jet- though Jet is in most ways the best one.
I've even heard many stories of people just coming to Japan and getting a job within a few days. Once you're here it is freaking easy to just walk into a job.
re: the interview. Yes, I really hate the asking questions part too. I mean, I do my research before hand, I know all I need to know....and its not like I can picky about jobs, if I'm being interviewed there I want to be there!
A good job? Not a hagwon or whatever the Japanese equivalent is?
For walk ins? Well no, that would be eikawas, though some do pay well.
Foot on the ground and a bit of effort though can get you a good job though. And many of these other alterantives to Jet are basically exactly the same job as Jet but with worse pay, better choice of location, and more holidays.
Another day at work, another day of rocking out to Zeppelin and playing Crusader Kings DV! :showoff:
I'm telling.
Quote from: Ideologue on March 07, 2012, 07:29:24 PM
I'm telling.
Hey, IDE, that bloody dvd turned up here a few days ago, apparently there there was "insufficient address". :hmm:
I'll email you a photo of the US mailman's handywork or lack thereof. <_<
I was wondering about that myself. I thought maybe you'd forgotten to put it in the post or something. Never showed up at my old apartment.
Quote from: Ideologue on March 07, 2012, 07:29:24 PM
I'm telling.
4th straight day of getting paid to do nothing. :nelson:
By the way Ide, the district coordinator called me to personally apologize about you not getting the job. Apparently the Provincial Education Board really wanted you but the school itself managed to find some scrub who could get there right away and insisted on taking him.
If I were you I'd keep applying.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 07, 2012, 07:35:15 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on March 07, 2012, 07:29:24 PM
I'm telling.
4th straight day of getting paid to do nothing. :nelson:
I get those every week. They suck.
How do you get away with fitting gaming into it though?
Quote from: Tyr on March 07, 2012, 10:39:25 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 07, 2012, 07:35:15 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on March 07, 2012, 07:29:24 PM
I'm telling.
4th straight day of getting paid to do nothing. :nelson:
I get those every week. They suck.
How do you get away with fitting gaming into it though?
Got my own classroom. It's huge and has its own computers.
I do sometimes miss the laziness of being a teacher in Korea.
On the other hand, while I have to work more here, I can sleep in every day except Sat and Sunday.
"Getting paid to do nothing" is one of those things that sounds good in theory, but in practice kind of sucks.
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on March 08, 2012, 01:19:48 AM
"Getting paid to do nothing" is one of those things that sounds good in theory, but in practice kind of sucks.
:yes:
When you get the occasional day like that once in a blue moon it is awesome.
When its a regular thing though...it is just horrible.
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on March 08, 2012, 01:19:48 AM
"Getting paid to do nothing" is one of those things that sounds good in theory, but in practice kind of sucks.
Especially when the pay is low. :yes:
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on March 08, 2012, 01:19:48 AM
"Getting paid to do nothing" is one of those things that sounds good in theory, but in practice kind of sucks.
Blasphemy :mad:
700ml of Johnny Walker Black, 700ml of Malibu Coconut Rum, 1L of Smirnoff and a kilo of pepper jack cheese. Just another day of shopping in Korea.
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on March 08, 2012, 01:28:51 AM
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on March 08, 2012, 01:19:48 AM
"Getting paid to do nothing" is one of those things that sounds good in theory, but in practice kind of sucks.
Especially when the pay is low. :yes:
Have you two not embraced Yukkuri sufficiently? I am quite looking forward to it.
I constantly fear unemployment and deportation in Japan, though. I am conscious of how hard it may be to stay there permanently. :Embarrass:
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on March 08, 2012, 01:19:48 AM
"Getting paid to do nothing" is one of those things that sounds good in theory, but in practice kind of sucks.
It's better than not geting paid to do nothing.
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on March 08, 2012, 01:19:48 AM
"Getting paid to do nothing" is one of those things that sounds good in theory, but in practice kind of sucks.
As long as you can surf the net and listen to music it's fine.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 17, 2012, 10:09:48 AM
700ml of Johnny Walker Black, 700ml of Malibu Coconut Rum, 1L of Smirnoff and a kilo of pepper jack cheese. Just another day of shopping in Korea.
I miss pepper jack :(
OTOH, I found some good emmentaler cheese for ~$5.
In teaching related news, I had a parent-teacher meeting last week. One of my students had lied to his mom about doing the online homework, and she found out during the meeting. She made the poor kid stay at the school and finish it all on one of the computers. He was still there when I left, and looked like he wanted to just die. :lol:
I assume you have a translator sitting in on the parent-teacher?
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 18, 2012, 02:00:17 PM
I assume you have a translator sitting in on the parent-teacher?
Hell, my Mom usually has one and she teaches here in the USA. :lol:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 18, 2012, 02:00:17 PM
I assume you have a translator sitting in on the parent-teacher?
Yep, the customer relations person for that class.
So, Tyr, will you make this part of the curriculum?
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fengrishfunny.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F03%2Fengrish-funny-engrish-its-as-fine-as-wine.jpg&hash=ad9006930bb1b3b13eeb614be214ba30f92c1047)
Is kid the new dog?
I wish I came correct more often when I was throwing game. :(
Quote from: Ideologue on March 30, 2012, 06:20:04 PM
I wish I came correct on her hair more often when I was throwing game. :(
FYP
That's implied.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fresources1.news.com.au%2Fimages%2F2008%2F10%2F03%2F1111117%2F655069-diaz-039-s-hair-gel-phobia.jpg&hash=1b6850eedbdb3dc6f627f1026f66a8f0712ee579)
Quote from: Syt on March 30, 2012, 02:44:46 AM
So, Tyr, will you make this part of the curriculum?
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhtt%2F%2Fengrishfunny.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F03%2Fengrish-funny-engrish-its-as-fine-as-wine.jpg&hash=2a7e05044a5170fa4a04796cd2463d2f2c80b26b)
....hmm....
The Japanese makes more sense than the English.
Incidentally last night I ran into the most annoying jigger, good English and a very American accent but overly...gangsta.
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on March 31, 2012, 07:39:42 PM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fresources1.news.com.au%2Fimages%2F2008%2F10%2F03%2F1111117%2F655069-diaz-039-s-hair-gel-phobia.jpg&hash=1b6850eedbdb3dc6f627f1026f66a8f0712ee579)
Medically incorrect.
QuoteHuman semen coagulates immediately after ejaculation and normally liquefies again within 5-20 minutes.
(Tauber et al., Biochemical Aspects of Coagluation and Liquefaction of Human Semen, 1 J. of Andrology 281, 281. (1980))
QuoteSemen was collected from healthy volunteers by
masturbation. In many cases, split (partitioned) ejaculates
were used. In order to obtain these, three different
glass jars were attached together. The fluid produced by
the first orgasmic contraction was placed in the first jar,
by the second orgasmic contraction in the next jar, and
by the final contractions in the third jar
Neat. Id., 282.
See also Oops Kurosawa,
Miyu Misaki: Bukkake Fan Thanksgiving, (2010).
Quote from: Tyr on March 31, 2012, 08:16:39 PM
Quote from: Syt on March 30, 2012, 02:44:46 AM
So, Tyr, will you make this part of the curriculum?
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhtt%2F%2Fengrishfunny.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F03%2Fengrish-funny-engrish-its-as-fine-as-wine.jpg&hash=2a7e05044a5170fa4a04796cd2463d2f2c80b26b)
....hmm....
The Japanese makes more sense than the English.
Incidentally last night I ran into the most annoying jigger, good English and a very American accent but overly...gangsta.
Jigger?
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=jigger
Quotejigger 186 up, 157 down
A jewish person acting black.
Jigger: Man, im straight from da ghetto
White boy: Warsaw?
Jigger: Fuck you, you racist fuck!
White boy: jigger please!
I think in this context it's pretty clear it meant "Japanese nigger." C'mon.
I wouldn't rely on the Urban dictionary to tell me if it was day or night. It was clear what Tyr was going on about.
That is a problematic word, considering "jigaboo" is also a term for blacks.
Quote from: Ideologue on March 30, 2012, 06:20:04 PM
I wish I came correct more often when I was throwing game. :(
Come correct, or don't come at all.
I was teaching quantifiers (ex. "a can of soda") to a class of 8 year olds, and I was trying to get them to identify a "bottle of wine". I explain that it was something their parents might drinking in the evening, and one kid shouts out "a bottle of whiskey". :cheers:
Cool
http://www.slate.com/articles/life/food/2012/04/wheat_in_japan_how_the_nation_learned_to_love_the_american_grain_instead_of_rice_.single.html
That they don't allow imported rice doesn't help.
But interesting. I knew ramen et al was originally Chinese but I didn't know it was such a recent import.
I certainly live mostly on rice here.
Posting this here because I'm sure you'll read it HMBOB, but have you watched the sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender?
Because Holy Shit is The Legend of Korra awesome!
Finally found a Korean liquor that actually tastes good. Bokbunjajoo, Korean Raspberry Wine. Only took 2 and a half years.
I'm investigating the possibility of invading Korea beneath the moon of Augustus :ph34r:
Quote from: Tyr on May 24, 2012, 03:37:20 AM
I'm investigating the possibility of invading Korea beneath the moon of Augustus :ph34r:
Squee!
Paid for my sister to come over for vacation, she'll be arriving at the end of the month.
Just bought tickets for a white water rafting trip. Bungee jumping is optional for an additional cost. :ph34r:
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 06, 2012, 11:23:00 PM
Just bought tickets for a white water rafting trip. Bungee jumping is optional for an additional cost. :ph34r:
and thus there shall be only one heir :ph34r: :P
Quote from: HVC on July 07, 2012, 01:14:00 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 06, 2012, 11:23:00 PM
Just bought tickets for a white water rafting trip. Bungee jumping is optional for an additional cost. :ph34r:
and thus there shall be only one heir :ph34r: :P
I was gonna say, if he springs for tickets across the Pacific Ocean she better put out, but your explanation makes sense too. :hmm:
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on July 07, 2012, 01:17:28 AM
Quote from: HVC on July 07, 2012, 01:14:00 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 06, 2012, 11:23:00 PM
Just bought tickets for a white water rafting trip. Bungee jumping is optional for an additional cost. :ph34r:
and thus there shall be only one heir :ph34r: :P
I was gonna say, if he springs for tickets across the Pacific Ocean she better put out, but your explanation makes sense too. :hmm:
going to incest first. interesting :hmm:
Though i went to sibling murder first, so waht does that say? :lol:
Is the Timmay clan the Ptolemaic dynasty of Puerto Rico? :o
WTF is wrong with you guys?
hey, you're the one that put a smilie face after two dangerous past times. You started it really :contract: As for Mr Wiggin over there... he's just crazy :D
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 07, 2012, 01:27:20 AM
WTF is wrong with you guys?
This is awesome, after nearly a decade the forum still hasn't lost the power to shock Tim. :showoff:
Quote from: HVC on July 07, 2012, 01:18:34 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on July 07, 2012, 01:17:28 AM
Quote from: HVC on July 07, 2012, 01:14:00 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 06, 2012, 11:23:00 PM
Just bought tickets for a white water rafting trip. Bungee jumping is optional for an additional cost. :ph34r:
and thus there shall be only one heir :ph34r: :P
I was gonna say, if he springs for tickets across the Pacific Ocean she better put out, but your explanation makes sense too. :hmm:
going to incest first. interesting :hmm:
Though i went to sibling murder first, so waht does that say? :lol:
The soul of Caligula was split upon reincarnation and you guys need to get together and party?
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on July 07, 2012, 01:31:43 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 07, 2012, 01:27:20 AM
WTF is wrong with you guys?
This is awesome, after nearly a decade the forum still hasn't lost the power to shock Tim. :showoff:
Not too hard. Tim's a sensitive soul. Beautiful, in his own way, but delicate.
Shock me. After fifteen years on the Internet, it's almost impossible. I'm jaded like the Jornada del Muerto.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on May 24, 2012, 12:39:16 AM
Finally found a Korean liquor that actually tastes good. Bokbunjajoo, Korean Raspberry Wine. Only took 2 and a half years.
I discovered that my first year! :P
Try some of the plum wines. A few are crap, but some are pretty good. They're all very sweet though, so you might not like it if that's not your thing.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on July 06, 2012, 11:23:00 PM
Paid for my sister to come over for vacation, she'll be arriving at the end of the month.
Just bought tickets for a white water rafting trip. Bungee jumping is optional for an additional cost. :ph34r:
You can save money if you don't buy the bungee cord. ;)
Waiting at the airport for her. Because of this and the fact that my computer refused to turn on this morning (quite out of the blue) I will likely be posting rarely these next two weeks.
:yeah:
Quote from: Ideologue on July 07, 2012, 04:01:26 AM
Not too hard. Tim's a sensitive soul. Beautiful, in his own way, but delicate.
Shock me. After fifteen years on the Internet, it's almost impossible. I'm jaded like the Jornada del Muerto.
I dunno, I remember a time when I could send you into a foaming-mouthed rage just by calling you white trash and making fun of your girlfriend.
I like to think I did those things because I saw that you were basically white trash with potential, and was contributing towards the emotional and mental callouses you'd need to develop to advance your lot in life.
I may have just been being a huge dick.
I'll take door number two Monty. :lol:
Bring her to Hongdae!
Quote from: OttoVonBismarck on July 29, 2012, 02:06:23 AM
I like to think I did those things because I saw that you were basically white trash with potential, and was contributing towards the emotional and mental callouses you'd need to develop to advance your lot in life.
Now see, when I was doing that, everybody just thought that
QuoteI may have just been being a huge dick.
Quote from: sbr on July 29, 2012, 02:04:39 AM
:yeah:
CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY. THANK YOU JEEBUS.
Stay classy Suwon, those waffles look great!
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthesecretmap.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F04%2Fphoto111216_0011.jpg&hash=e3d3684a3b94d4b4b354808e4979bf20db38a3de)
Woo! School cancelled on account of Typhoon Bolaven!
Winds picking up and it's started to sprinkle.
129kmph/80mph winds and 30cm/12 inches of rain are expected.
We missed classes due to a typhoon here earlier in August. Bolaven looks more exciting though. :(
It's been absolutely toothless so far. A strong breeze, barely any rain.
Bolaven? Who's in charge of naming those?
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 28, 2012, 02:22:24 AM
Bolaven? Who's in charge of naming those?
I think the current practice is for each jurisdiction in the affected region to take turns to name these. So HK has a shot too.
When I was a kid, they had a long list of female names and they just go down the list. Female names because females have stormy mood :ph34r: Needless to say someone complained so they changed to the current system.
I love pub days, er, I mean typhoon days. :P
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on August 28, 2012, 03:47:57 AM
I love pub days, er, I mean typhoon days. :P
Really, you go down the pub? Thats an option? :(
Sure, there's an Irish pub only 10 minutes walk from my apartment. Is it too expensive where you are, or is your town just rather small?
Big city in theory, 200,000 people, stupidly designed around driving though and...I don't know. It just has a much smaller town centre than it should. Very little in the way of bars , going at all mid-week usually involves drinking alone let alone going during the day. Don't think they'd even be open midday on weekdays.
Quote from: Tyr on August 28, 2012, 04:21:16 AM
Big city in theory, 200,000 people, stupidly designed around driving though and...I don't know. It just has a much smaller town centre than it should. Very little in the way of bars , going at all mid-week usually involves drinking alone let alone going during the day. Don't think they'd even be open midday on weekdays.
Stupidly? That's the best design!
Josq likes watching his neighbors have spats on the sidewalk, then listening to them have makeup sex afterward.
Quote from: Grey Fox on August 28, 2012, 07:24:51 AM
Quote from: Tyr on August 28, 2012, 04:21:16 AM
Big city in theory, 200,000 people, stupidly designed around driving though and...I don't know. It just has a much smaller town centre than it should. Very little in the way of bars , going at all mid-week usually involves drinking alone let alone going during the day. Don't think they'd even be open midday on weekdays.
Stupidly? That's the best design!
Are you sure you're French? :hmm:
Kewbackers are the Kentuckians of the French.
Quote from: Barrister on August 28, 2012, 09:29:00 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on August 28, 2012, 07:24:51 AM
Quote from: Tyr on August 28, 2012, 04:21:16 AM
Big city in theory, 200,000 people, stupidly designed around driving though and...I don't know. It just has a much smaller town centre than it should. Very little in the way of bars , going at all mid-week usually involves drinking alone let alone going during the day. Don't think they'd even be open midday on weekdays.
Stupidly? That's the best design!
Are you sure you're French? :hmm:
I'm pretty sure I am not. Grey Fox != Zoupa
:P
Quote from: Grey Fox on August 28, 2012, 07:24:51 AM
Quote from: Tyr on August 28, 2012, 04:21:16 AM
Big city in theory, 200,000 people, stupidly designed around driving though and...I don't know. It just has a much smaller town centre than it should. Very little in the way of bars , going at all mid-week usually involves drinking alone let alone going during the day. Don't think they'd even be open midday on weekdays.
Stupidly? That's the best design!
surely you must be joking?
having to drive everywhere like a farmer only with city traffic? its so inconvenient. makes life extra stressful and ruins night lif (day life too, stops cafe culture almost as much as pub culture).
ignoring the city centre and hving businesses scattered willy nilly....its just messy and annoying
I am not.
You are arguing that it stop things that I despise.
Except maybe pubs. Pubs are fun.
Quote from: Grey Fox on August 28, 2012, 11:42:02 AM
I am not.
You are arguing that it stop things that I despise.
Except maybe pubs. Pubs are fun.
I like the old, domesticated Grey Fox. :hug:
Quote from: Barrister on August 28, 2012, 11:49:51 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on August 28, 2012, 11:42:02 AM
I am not.
You are arguing that it stop things that I despise.
Except maybe pubs. Pubs are fun.
I like the old, domesticated Grey Fox. :hug:
I might be a crazy economic socialist but I'll be damn if I am going to be anti-miliraty greenweenie.
Wait...you hate pubs?
Today I realised a key bad thing about driving focussed cities. Except for you know, having to drive everywhere like a bloody peasant.
Its like living in one giant car park.
Car parks are not pleasant places. They're the nasty, ugly blight on the landscape which is necessary to be crossed to get into the big shops. Not at all desirable things.
Quote from: Tyr on August 29, 2012, 10:04:21 PM
Wait...you hate pubs?
Today I realised a key bad thing about driving focussed cities. Except for you know, having to drive everywhere like a bloody peasant.
:yeahright:
Driving = respectable
Dunno about UK, but in Germany, if you have to drive everywhere you're most likely from a very rural area. Even small cities will have most everyday stuff within walking distance for most people. Add public transport grids for larger cities.
Driving in cities is mainly for those too poor to live a decent distance from anything.
Though of course you do get some people of every wealth level who like living in the countryside despite the inconvenience (or because of it for some of those weirdos).
I just can't see any redeeming qualities in this model of city design at all. Its just thoroughly unpleasant.
Quote from: Tyr on August 30, 2012, 12:23:01 AM
Driving in cities is mainly for those too poor to live a decent distance from anything.
Though of course you do get some people of every wealth level who like living in the countryside despite the inconvenience (or because of it for some of those weirdos).
I just can't see any redeeming qualities in this model of city design at all. Its just thoroughly unpleasant.
Lol, don't ever go to North America.
Driving is a base mechanical art, no gentleman would ever drive :bowler:
Outside of NYC, if you don't own a car you're proletarian scum.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 30, 2012, 01:36:56 AM
Outside of NYC, if you don't own a car you're proletarian scum.
Nyet. Car owners are the proletarians. Not driving is a sign of being middle class.
So, buying expensive machinery is a sign of poverty? :hmm:
Quote from: Tyr on August 30, 2012, 01:46:37 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 30, 2012, 01:36:56 AM
Outside of NYC, if you don't own a car you're proletarian scum.
Nyet. Car owners are the proletarians. Not driving is a sign of being middle class.
I was talking about North America, as was made clear in my previous comment. Outside of NYC you can't possibly be considered middle class if you don't own a car. Hell, a family with two adults would be required to have two.
Cars are really cheap, only £10k or so for a new one that'll last ten or twenty years ........now family holidays, they are bloody expensive :P
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on August 30, 2012, 01:58:00 AM
Cars are really cheap, only £10k or so for a new one that'll last ten or twenty years
They're more expensive if you actually drive them, then you have to pay for gas and repairs as well.
Course even 10000 pounds is roughly a year's salary to somebody earning minimum wage.
Quote from: Tyr on August 30, 2012, 01:46:37 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 30, 2012, 01:36:56 AM
Outside of NYC, if you don't own a car you're proletarian scum.
Nyet. Car owners are the proletarians. Not driving is a sign of being middle class.
That doesn't make any sense.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 30, 2012, 01:56:39 AM
Outside of NYC you can't possibly be considered middle class if you don't own a car.
I don't think that's true. NYC isn't the only city of ours that has neighborhoods where having a car is unnecessary.
Also true of Boston and Chicago, among others. :yes:
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on August 30, 2012, 01:58:00 AM
Cars are really cheap, only £10k or so for a new one that'll last ten or twenty years ........now family holidays, they are bloody expensive :P
Nobody buys new cars though.
(well, sometimes people do obviously hence used cars exist...)
Quote from: garbon on August 30, 2012, 07:27:22 AM
Quote from: Habbaku on August 30, 2012, 07:21:17 AM
Quote from: Tyr on August 30, 2012, 07:08:14 AM
Nobody buys new cars though.
:huh:
Doesn't his England sound lovely?
It not just a different country, it's a different world!
I have 2 cars, both were bought new. On built in said Korea, the other in Mexico.
Quote from: Grey Fox on August 30, 2012, 07:32:36 AM
Quote from: garbon on August 30, 2012, 07:27:22 AM
Quote from: Habbaku on August 30, 2012, 07:21:17 AM
Quote from: Tyr on August 30, 2012, 07:08:14 AM
Nobody buys new cars though.
:huh:
Doesn't his England sound lovely?
It not just a different country, it's a different world!
A world where everyone wears monocles, and those monocles are constantly popping off into cups of tea.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F5wS26.gif&hash=0a38ba579fb501deb03adca7b7e1505cd8882d4e)
Ah, Josq's type of nightlife....
http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/cardiff,drunk (nsfw)
How delightful.
Josq is right. Cities designed around driving suck.
I'd only agree if I could be carried around by slaves.
Quote from: Ed Anger on August 30, 2012, 05:37:08 PM
I'd only agree if I could be carried around by slaves.
What's stopping you?
Quote from: Ed Anger on August 30, 2012, 05:38:45 PMThe Constitution. :mad:
It's just not the same with minimum wage workers or illegal immigrants doing the job, is it?
For me the walking around in a city is fun, until the winds whipping around the tall building freeze me to death. Or in summer, the heat from the city fries me. Then I want to get in my Challenger and run every body down.
Or the city scum start getting close. Ewww. Poors. :yuk:
Quote from: Jacob on August 30, 2012, 05:39:46 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on August 30, 2012, 05:38:45 PMThe Constitution. :mad:
It's just not the same with minimum wage workers or illegal immigrants doing the job, is it?
No. They can quit. :mad:
Quote from: Jacob on August 30, 2012, 05:31:11 PM
Josq is right. Cities designed around driving suck.
Yes, this part he is right about. And that parking lots are frequently ugly and a waste of space.
To be serious about it.............at the individual level I like the cheap homes available in NA, with their large lots and so on; I would love to live in the house that the value of my property in England would buy me in Kansas, SC or somesuch.
But, there are consequences to that sprawl. I liked Ank's place in SC (especially given the price, peanuts by UK standards); but you had to get into the car to go anywhere, the burger bar was 5 miles away, the pub was 4 miles away. Meanwhile, here at home, I have dozens of bars shops etc all within walking distance.............I prefer it that way, it must be about a fortnight since I used any form of transport apart from walking..........at a communal level cheap detached houses lead to people living in characterless dormitories.
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on August 30, 2012, 06:40:50 PM
it must be about a fortnight since I used any form of transport apart from walking..........at a communal level cheap detached houses lead to people living in characterless dormitories.
It has been 5 minutes since I got out of a cab and only about 5 hours since I used the subway. :blush:
Might have a five day weekend for Chuseok this year. If I do I'm going to go to Japan.
Five day weekend confirmed! :w00t:
Flying to Japan tonight. :)
Depart Seoul airline logo Korean Air 719
Economy | Boeing 777
758 mi | 2hr 10min
8:55 PM Incheon International (ICN)
Arrive Tokyo
11:05 PM Haneda airport (HND) | Terminal I
Return Wed, Oct 3 2hr 15min Total time
Depart Tokyo airline logo Korean Air 2710
Economy | Boeing 747
758 mi | 2hr 15min
7:55 PM Haneda airport (HND)
Arrive Seoul
10:10 PM Gimpo International (GMP) | Terminal I
Korean Air 719, eh? Dguller, get on the horn and call your people in Moscow. Looks we have another Korean job for them.
You're a brave man, giving languish your flight info.
Wait...you're staying by Narita yet you're using Haneda?
....why?
The first night I'm staying at Chisun Hotel Shinagawa-West Tokyo.
The next four I'm staying at International Garden Hotel Narita. Got a great price, and I'm leaving from Narita airport.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 27, 2012, 08:36:35 PM
The first night I'm staying at Chisun Hotel Shinagawa-West Tokyo.
The next four I'm staying at International Garden Hotel Narita. Got a great price, and I'm leaving from Narita airport.
Did you read your own itinerary that you posted above?
Also, from what I remember from my trip to Japan...it took a long, frickin' time to get from Narita to central Tokyo.
But it doesn't matter, it's Japan. Have a great time, Tim. :)
Yeah, Narita is halfway across Chiba. Takes ages to get there.
Trains stop running quite early too, if you're planning on hitting clubs and all that then plan for an all nighter!
Got any ideas on where you're visiting? Sticking to Tokyo?
Guys, he's flying into Haneda. :secret:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 27, 2012, 08:53:33 PM
Guys, he's flying into Haneda. :secret:
Did you even read his last post?
I find it curious he's going to two different airports in Korea but the mileage is the same.
Quote from: Tonitrus on September 27, 2012, 08:56:16 PM
Did you even read his last post?
I see your point. :hmm:
Not coming to Shanghai? Boo :mad:
I have a week-long holiday starting today, but I'll just spend it in the city, maybe doing a day-trip to Suzhou or Nanjing.
Just don't feel like going anywhere far.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on September 27, 2012, 08:59:14 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on September 27, 2012, 08:56:16 PM
Did you even read his last post?
I see your point. :hmm:
It's ok though...he has an evening flight, so after he checks out of the hotel, he will have all day to get back to Haneda. :P
Quote from: Tonitrus on September 27, 2012, 08:41:01 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 27, 2012, 08:36:35 PM
The first night I'm staying at Chisun Hotel Shinagawa-West Tokyo.
The next four I'm staying at International Garden Hotel Narita. Got a great price, and I'm leaving from Narita airport.
Did you read your own itinerary that you posted above?
Those fuckers changed it since I bought the tickets! :wacko:
It was definitely Narita when I booked it a month ago.
Cancel your hotel and stay somewhere in Tokyo.
This place comes highly recommended: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Quote from: Tyr on September 27, 2012, 11:32:07 PM
Cancel your hotel and stay somewhere in Tokyo.
This place comes highly recommended: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Won't get my money back this late from the first hotel.
Second hotel is three stars at $50 a night, hard to beat man. It might be too late too cancel that one too.
EDIT: Yup, too late.
Oh. And you might want to bring a jacket: http://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/1217.html
Rain jacket and sweatshirt is packed. Anything else I got is too heavy.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on September 27, 2012, 08:36:35 PM
and I'm leaving from Narita airport.
Be sure to take photos of the Narita Express from the airport. Such a pretty train.
Uneo park fucking rocks! Went to the museum of western art, the Japanese art academy and the Tokyo metropolitan museum of art. The last was incredible and I saw just one wing.
It takes me about an hour and fifteen to get there and maybe one twenty five going back, similarly for me to Seoul (without taking the bullet). Taxis are ridiculous here, 3-4 the price as Korea.
No responses? Anyways hit the Tokyo national museum today and it was incredible. So far the museums of Tokyo blow away Seoul and Taipei combined. Hell of a lot of walking though. Killed my camera battery. Was gonna hit akibhara and sjinjuku tomorrow since the museum's are closed Monday, but with the rain we're getting from this typhoon, I don't know.
Examples best stuff in museums?
Interactive comfort girl exhibits.
Just made it home on the last train leaving the station. Will update tomorrow.
Yeah, Tokyo is pretty awesome.
Quote from: The Brain on September 30, 2012, 07:27:15 AM
Examples best stuff in museums?
104 Treasures looted from Tutankhamen's tomb on display in a traveling exhibit at the Ueno Royal Museum. :cool:
Ｈｏｗ ｖｅｒｙ Ｊａｐａｎｅｓｅ
Quote from: Tyr on October 03, 2012, 07:47:41 PM
Ｈｏｗ ｖｅｒｙ Ｊａｐａｎｅｓｅ
Looting tombs? :unsure:
I saw plenty of great Japanese stuff, the Brain asked for the best. There are probably only a handful of exhibits in the entire world that could top that one.
I saw the golden Crook & Flail of the King of Upper & Lower Egypt :worthy:
The conopic coffin that held his embalmed liver and the golden sarcophagi of his grandmother and stillborn children.
I saw so many wonderful things.
Apparently going home for 2 months is enough to reset the 2 year American tax exemption here!
1,430,000 ₩ refund coming my way! :yeah:
so that is like what...a dollar?
Oanda says $1300.
He can get that real doll now.
Freeloaders. Time to pull our troops out and let NK invade. :P
Quote from: Ed Anger on November 01, 2012, 12:17:06 AM
He can get that real doll now.
Or a flower snake pillow.
Hey Timmy - have you visited this park: http://www.wenxuecity.com/news/2012/10/31/gossip-77081.html (NSFW)?
Jeju Island Loveland ... google it if the wenxuecity link expires at some point.
Never been to Jeju island unfortunately. Is that the park with the penis statues?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Land_(South_Korea)
QuoteJeju Loveland (제주러브랜드) (also known as Love Land) is an outdoor sculpture park which opened in 2004 on Jeju Island in South Korea. The park is focused on a theme of sex, running sex education films, and featuring 140 sculptures representing humans in various sexual positions. It also has other elements such as large phallus statues, stone labia, and hands-on exhibits such as a "masturbation-cycle". The park's website describes the location as "a place where love oriented art and eroticism meet".
Masturbation-Cycle:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F_QvSi3BrEMBA%2FSHqEoZ6K3WI%2FAAAAAAAAC_U%2F27_NDZZgszU%2Fs400%2Fjeju21bike.jpg&hash=a9b88093578f65d71813266d43dbd4eee5a107df)
they coulda chose a better model....
5 girls danced to 2NE1's UGLY at the school festival Friday.
For those who don't live in Korea, the refrain goes
I think I'm ugly
And nobody wants to love me
Just like her I wanna be pretty
I wanna be pretty
Don't lie to my face
Tellin' me I'm pretty
The dancing was set up so that 4 attractive girls surrounded...let's say a less attractive one, who was the centerpiece of the act.
It was just terrible, and of course none of the people I talked to at school had any problem with it.
Every group needs an ugly girl. She was just auditioning. Being the ugly girl has its perks, don't look down on her ambitions.
Bet she's the one that fucks like Secretariat.
The ugly girl also brings beer to parties.
Left my parents house at 3am Saturday, got to my Korean apartment at 7:20 pm Sunday! :bleeding:
after much humming and hawing and cancelled plans and lazyness and my school being mean this spring break I'm finally going to get myself to Korea.
I'm looking at around a week (a few days more is fine) over there with my start point in Seoul and my end point in Busan so I can take the ferry to Tsushima.
So....as lame as it is to speak of seeing an entire country in a week.....how many days do I need to get the main points down?
Where should I be going outside of Seoul (day trips like the dmz and hwaesong excluded).?
What are you going to go see in Hwaeseong? Do you mean the fortress wall in Suwon?
You should probably stop in Cheonan to see the nationalist museum.
Aside from that and the DMZ, I'd stay every day in Seoul. Busan is great in the summer, but I doubt it will be warm enough to swim at the beach when you get there. When is your Spring break?
Yeah, Hwaseong Fortress, looks rather cool.
In theory it seems I've got the 26th March to 8th April. Am wanting to spend a few days after Korea in western Japan though. The plan is to head to Busan so I can take the ferry to an island I'd like to see en-route back to Japan.
Stay in Seoul huh?...so nothing much to see elsewhere?...I guess I could spend most of my time in Seoul but...I hate those people who say they've visited Britain and they've only ever been to London. Capitals tend not to represent countries at all. Surely there's decent stuff elsewhere too?
How about Gyeongju? I hear its the Korean Kyoto/Nara?
Literally half the population lives in the Seoul/Gyeonggi-do metro area, so yeah, aside from the histroical and nature stuff, everything you'd want to do is there. Tons of great museums in Seoul though for the historical minded.
I've been all over the north half of the ROK, but aside from Busan I haven't anywhere in the southern half.
Korea's not going to match Japan for scenic beauty Squeeze.
If you feel compelled to see something outside Seoul, go to Kyongju. An old capital (Silla Dyansty?), maybe roughly analogous to Kyoto.
Timmy mongered! :o
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 08, 2013, 11:47:27 AM
Korea's not going to match Japan for scenic beauty Squeeze.
If you feel compelled to see something outside Seoul, go to Kyongju. An old capital (Silla Dyansty?), maybe roughly analogous to Kyoto.
It's really far south, near Busan. So, if you want to see that you'll have to do it at the end of your trip. Travel to Busan a day early and set up base there. I've heard it's pretty good.
Skip the Baekje capital in Gongju though.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 08, 2013, 04:43:44 PM
Timmy mongered! :o
It's hard for me to know what cities you mean since you use the old transliteration.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 08, 2013, 04:43:44 PM
Timmy mongered! :o
A damned Rican is busting on you for your Korean transliteration. Are you going to stand for that Yi? :secret:
Quote from: Barrister on February 08, 2013, 04:54:33 PM
A damned Rican is busting on you for your Korean transliteration. Are you going to stand for that Yi? :secret:
The Korean government made the change, sort of like the Chinese switch from Pinyin-Wade to Whateverthefuck. I can hardly bust on him for that. And so many other things to bust on him for.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 08, 2013, 05:04:16 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 08, 2013, 04:54:33 PM
A damned Rican is busting on you for your Korean transliteration. Are you going to stand for that Yi? :secret:
The Korean government made the change, sort of like the Chinese switch from Pinyin-Wade to Whateverthefuck. I can hardly bust on him for that. And so many other things to bust on him for.
Wade-Giles to Pinyin.
I've recently posted over 200 pictures from Korea and Taiwan on facebook, so those have friended me through the Languish page, if you're interested in getting a look at the war museum, etc, take a look.
Its becoming set in stone.
26th March fly to Seoul.
I've cancelled my idea to visit Tsushima, it seems much too complicated for what was just going to be a few hour little adventure. I looked into Seoul-Fukuoka flights instead but that is proving a total pain to find. Hard to use sites that shout at me for wanting one way only and saying you need a return or you can't get on the plane (WTF?).
So...I think I'm looking at maybe on the 1st taking the ferry direct from Busan to Fukuoka- really have to investigate that city and its famed bustiest girls in Japan for a few days before returning home for the big local festival on the 6th.
Will spend just a day or so in the south of Korea before that so I can get a taste of weekend life in Seoul. What one thing should I see in the south?
Gyongju? (Timothy says ney? what for?) Seokguram? Yonggunsa/Busan? Dunno if any of this means anything but google earth should at me that these are sights in the area.
Any guesses how much money should I take? Any area in particular I should aim to avoid/stay hotel wise?
Quote from: Tyr on March 05, 2013, 01:04:56 AM
Its becoming set in stone.
26th March fly to Seoul.
I've cancelled my idea to visit Tsushima, it seems much too complicated for what was just going to be a few hour little adventure. I looked into Seoul-Fukuoka flights instead but that is proving a total pain to find. Hard to use sites that shout at me for wanting one way only and saying you need a return or you can't get on the plane (WTF?).
So...I think I'm looking at maybe on the 1st taking the ferry direct from Busan to Fukuoka- really have to investigate that city and its famed bustiest girls in Japan for a few days before returning home for the big local festival on the 6th.
Will spend just a day or so in the south of Korea before that so I can get a taste of weekend life in Seoul. What one thing should I see in the south?
Gyongju? (Timothy says ney? what for?) Seokguram? Yonggunsa/Busan? Dunno if any of this means anything but google earth should at me that these are sights in the area.
Any guesses how much money should I take? Any area in particular I should aim to avoid/stay hotel wise?
How many days are you going to be in Korea? Just 4-5 days? Don't even stop in the south then, immediately jump on the KTX for Seoul
I said I'm flying to Seoul.
The ferry is to get back to Japan
4 days+the day I get there for sure. Maybe an extra day of staying there before leaving, maybe I leave on the 6th day, maybe the 7th, unsure at the moment. Really want to have some time in Kyushu too- have to investigate Fukuoka for professional reasons as well as general touristyness.
I guess I need 1 day DMZ, 1 day general stuff in Seoul and 1 day Hwaseong?
It think you to give the tour agency your passport (maybe a scan would suffice? :unsure: ) if you wont to get into the restritcted area, otherwise you'd only need a half day for DMZ stuff like visiting the tunnel, looking over the border with binoculars, etc.
Annnnd it looks like visiting the border is off the table :(
It might be wise to spend more time in the south than planned....maybe even less time in Korea....
Quote from: Tyr on March 07, 2013, 11:51:30 PM
Annnnd it looks like visiting the border is off the table :(
It might be wise to spend more time in the south than planned....maybe even less time in Korea....
Did you look that up? Don't take my vague recollections as gospell.
There is so much to do in Seoul, a week is not nearly enough. Why are you so interested in the South?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21709917
Nothing serious is going to happen. Seoul will be perfectly safe.
Who knows.
At the least the JSA does seem to be closed.
I'm generally rather blase about such things, but even I would be reluctant to go now. Odds are nothing will happen, but there's no reason, to paraphrase Dragon Warrior, to tempt the fates too much.
,
If you plan on flying through Korean airspace, you're best off on a Chinese airline. If the North Koreans decide to do something stupid, they're less likely to target the Chinese.
I can't seem to find anything that says the DMZ tours have stopped. :unsure:
Any ideas which companies are best? I hate tours...but its the only way.
Try these guys
http://www.adventurekorea.com/
If they don't have a good day for you, then just go for the best feature for the money you can find.
Thats who you went with?
They seem to only do Sundays and Mondays and don't go to the JSA :(
These tours all seem to be rather expensive. Need to shop around....
I took my sister with these guys. They definitely do the JSA, though I didn't do that part.
http://tourdmz.com/
Adventure Korea is a really good company. Check out there other offerings, especially if you're interested in nature tourism.
Think I'm going with a company called koridor, they're the only one that goes to the JSA whilst I'm there it seems. Pretty hard to find something.
Sadly have to leave it till the 30th (Saturday) to go though, would have preferred mid-week so I could get some drinks in on the Friday....oh well.
So itinerary looks like:
26th arrive
27-29: Stuff. General sites of Seoul, the old palace, pretty plastic ladies, adventure to Suwon hopefully, etc...
30th: DMZ
31st: Busan. Anything interesting in the middle to go via?
1st: Ferry to Japan
You live pretty far away from Seoul right?
I can get to Seoul in 45 minutes via KTX (bullet), 90 minutes by regular train. Probably can be in Suwon in 30/60 respectively. I can definitely be up in Seoul for Friday night. This is the end of this month right?
Quote
Pretty plastic ladies
:yeahright:
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 13, 2013, 12:11:52 AM
I can get to Seoul in 45 minutes via KTX (bullet), 90 minutes by regular train. Probably can be in Suwon in 30/60 respectively. I can definitely be up in Seoul for Friday night. This is the end of this month right?
Quote
Pretty plastic ladies
:yeahright:
Hey, I tell Japanese people I'm visiting Korea and that's the first thing many of them speak about.
Yeah, this month I'm going to be there.
No pressure if you can't come up what with me failing to make it into Tokyo when you were there.
Tim > Tyr -_-
Pretty Plastic Ladies = girls with plastic surgery?
Or is it a more specific reference?
That makes sense. Koreans are nuts for that eye fold surgery.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 13, 2013, 11:32:21 AM
That makes sense. Koreans are nuts for that eye fold surgery.
What is that? To enhance their kitty cat eyes, or to eliminate it?
Quote from: CountDeMoney on March 13, 2013, 12:22:40 PM
What is that? To enhance their kitty cat eyes, or to eliminate it?
To make them look more western.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on March 13, 2013, 12:22:40 PMWhat is that? To enhance their kitty cat eyes, or to eliminate it?
Mainly to make them look bigger.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fkimchimamas.typepad.com%2Fkimchi_mamas%2Fimages%2F2007%2F10%2F26%2Fsandraohsag05.jpg&hash=aa09adf7125307a32c84db93af1cbf79b51ae5cb)
Less like this.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_llpai80zIH1qi6lfa.jpg&hash=e00bb623565a49b8d29cb47ff2575299f51cfd74)
More like this.
To avoid the old "blindfold with dental floss" gag, eh??
Sorry. I'll show myself out :(
Yosh!
All booked, staying in mapu-gu (apparently a nice studenty area?) from the 26th-31st.
Hongdae and Sinchon are right there, you're gonna be shitfaced 24/7
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 14, 2013, 08:09:48 PM
Hongdae and Sinchon are right there, you're gonna be shitfaced 24/7
How is that different from his typical existence? :huh:
That's what I planned for. I've read about Hongdae being good but don't know about Sinchon.
Seems pretty decently located for getting around sightseeing during the day but its near to the drinking spots so if I want to go out at night I don't have to worry about last trains.
QuoteHow is that different from his typical existence? :huh:
Its been months since I've been pissed.
These days I only ever drink Friday and Saturday, and even there not both of them every week.
Quote from: Jacob on March 13, 2013, 03:07:50 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on March 13, 2013, 12:22:40 PMWhat is that? To enhance their kitty cat eyes, or to eliminate it?
Mainly to make them look bigger.
Creepy.
Tyr, do you have a phone that will work in Korea? If so, PM me the #.
Learn the Korean alphabet easily with these flashgames
http://www.aeriagloris.com/LearnKorean/
http://www.purposegames.com/game/cb0ed5a9
Tip for the second one, it will ask you to find --- which it means O (it is silent in the beginning of a syllable, but means ng at the end of one)
Gonna be too busy tomorrow to do that alas.
Have always fancied learning to read Korean (and Cyrillic) but my attention is too taken up with stuff I have to learn. :(
How safe do you find Korea? A friend was just telling me to be careful speaking about how she was in Korea for 3 days but had people trying to rob her twice. :blink:
Quote from: Tyr on March 24, 2013, 07:03:45 AM
Gonna be too busy tomorrow to do that alas.
Have always fancied learning to read Korean (and Cyrillic) but my attention is too taken up with stuff I have to learn. :(
How safe do you find Korea? A friend was just telling me to be careful speaking about how she was in Korea for 3 days but had people trying to rob her twice. :blink:
You can pick up the symbols in an hour or two.
Korea is literally one of the safest countries on Earth.
Where the hell was she and how drunk was she?
She doesn't drink, she was just travelling. Once on a train and once on the streets.
Quote from: Tyr on March 24, 2013, 07:39:50 AM
She doesn't drink, she was just travelling. Once on a train and once on the streets.
:yeahright: That literally sounds impossible to me.
If you get drunk in Itaewan you can get pick pocketed, and if you're a woman getting too drunk at a club can be dangerous for the same reason as anywhere else in the world but that's about it. No western guy I know would hesitate to walk down any ally in Seoul. It's ridiculously, unbelievably safe compared to any large Western city, let alone an American one.
Walk down an ally?
Quote from: garbon on March 24, 2013, 10:04:39 AM
Walk down an ally?
He's out of it, been dropping Es.
Can we send Tim to spelling camp?
The Training Of Mr. O.
Probally a stupid question, I think things have changed in South Korea, but...I'm reading a book about North Korea: would this be illegal in the South?
It's 2013 not 1983. Of course it's legal.
Hell even back then it would be fine as long it wasn't supporting the North/Communism.
Don't think it was as long ago as 83. I remember reading stuff only a decade ago about banning Japanese cultural stuff in Korea.
Quote from: Tyr on March 24, 2013, 07:03:45 AM
How safe do you find Korea? A friend was just telling me to be careful speaking about how she was in Korea for 3 days but had people trying to rob her twice. :blink:
Come on, tyr. You've been in Japan long enough to know by now that all Koreans are criminals.
Wait, is your friend Japanese Tyr?
Some people here are still incredibly racist against the Japanese here.
She is yeah. Odd that racism would manifest in attempting to rob her though. Guess she was just unlucky.
Quote from: Lettow77 on March 25, 2013, 05:46:58 AM
Quote from: Tyr on March 24, 2013, 07:03:45 AM
How safe do you find Korea? A friend was just telling me to be careful speaking about how she was in Korea for 3 days but had people trying to rob her twice. :blink:
Come on, tyr. You've been in Japan long enough to know by now that all Koreans are criminals.
I only know the one Korean and she is merely a bit of a bitch.
Quote from: Tyr on March 25, 2013, 08:40:39 AM
She is yeah. Odd that racism would manifest in attempting to rob her though. Guess she was just unlucky.
I have an extremely difficult time believing a claim of robbery on a train. I mean it's not impossible, but I would probably rate my chances of that happening on my next ride as about equal with the train derailing.
I am in Seoul. My hostel looks super skanky and cost what a proper hotel would in Japan...accommodation Korea doesn't seem so cheap, the train from the airport cost nearly nothing though. Seems my hostel has wifi too. Yey.
It is nippier than Japan outside (ironic) but seems ok so far......lots of tall girls. Need to go have a night time sniff about and then start touristing tomorrow. Here's to hoping I don't get ripped off and/or die.
Weird experience so far- when I opened my browser I was hit in the face with a load of writing in Korean which I gather is an obscenity warning. My last visited site being.....of that nature
How much? What does super skanky mean to you?
What are you doing Friday.
http://world.time.com/2013/03/25/filial-pity-is-south-korea-doing-enough-to-stop-elderly-suicides/
QuoteFilial Pity: Is South Korea Doing Enough to Stop Elderly Suicides?
The Korea Suicide Prevention Center has a message for the people of South Korea: "Life is precious! We can protect it." The slogan, displayed in pamphlets, placards and on its website, is meant to encourage people to seek help if they are feeling suicidal. All too often, it seems, that message is not getting through. An average of 43 people commit suicide on any given day, making South Korea the most suicide-prone country in the developed world. Unlike most rich countries, South Korea's suicide rate — nearly triple that of the U.S. — has been rising dramatically, jumping by 101.8% from 2000 to 2010. The rate is twice as high among the elderly.
(MORE: South Korea Rattled by Suicide of Bullied Teen)
Why are South Korean seniors so prone to suicide? Though researchers are still trying to understand the trend, they point to several overlapping factors. For one, there's history. Social workers say suicide among the elderly population is in some ways a by-product of the country's breakneck industrialization, an economic transformation that turned South Korea into one of the richest nations in the world. During this time especially, the whole country was so fixated on prosperity that people who were more economically productive were considered more valuable members of society. That perception still exists. Elderly citizens, who are generally perceived as less productive, are therefore seen as less valuable. "Our society has become extremely competitive in the past 30 to 40 years of economic development, and we have turned into a society that does not care for our weakest members," explains Kim Dong-hyun, who teaches social medicine at Hallym University.
The country's economic transformation has changed social relations too. Confucianism, which emphasizes filial piety, has been the bedrock of Korean society for hundreds of years and, historically, older citizens would rely on their children to take care of them. That is changing and has been compounded by high rates of migration. Today many older Koreans do not live under same roof as their children and grandchildren. "The collapse of communities and the collective ostracization of elderly citizens are driving them over the edge," says Kim.
When the elderly end up alone, they often have little in the way of a safety net. South Korea has one of the lowest rates of social spending among members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the country's old-age poverty rate is the highest among rich nations. In 2005, more than 45% of Koreans aged 65 and above lived in relative poverty, according to the OECD. Seoul introduced a national pension service, but in 1988 — too late for many of today's elderly citizens. In 2008, the government started the Basic Old-Age Pension System for people who meet income and asset requirements; roughly 70% of the elderly receive benefits under this scheme. Even so, the amount they receive sometimes falls short of the elderly living costs recommended by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
(MORE: Seoul Launches Suicide Watchdog)
The government is starting to take some action. Two years ago, Seoul enacted a suicide-prevention law, but a meager budget constrains the effectiveness and scope of government policies. Last year, according to the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA), the government spent $3 million on suicide-prevention programs — a mere 0.5% of what Japan spent in 2010 for the same purpose. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health and Welfare started a new suicide-prevention program called Look, Listen, Talk for caretakers and schoolteachers. And two weeks ago, the National Assembly launched a campaign to expand counseling services for suicide-prone citizens. Although such programs are necessary, critics say they focus on intervention rather than getting rid of conditions that push people over the edge. "For prevention projects we need budgetary support," says Chang Young-sik a researcher at KIHASA. "The government has tried to cope with the problem but it has not done enough yet."
On the policy front, the government needs to invest more money to promote the well-being of senior citizens. A bigger budget for the elderly means more jobs and community centers and higher basic pension benefits — all of which could help alleviate old-age poverty and loneliness. "We need to think about the fundamental problem of why so many elderly citizens are mired in poverty and driven to despair," says Ha Jung-hwa, a professor of social welfare at Seoul National University. "I wish Korean society would operate under the basic premise that elderly citizens also have a right to happiness and a right to end their lives with beauty."
I blame Tim.
No plans.
Just looks seedy. In a dark alleyway , old an messy and and the guy working there looks kinda....dodgy.
Price....eh.... can't recall. 3000 yen or so a night I guess
This is what you get for like $41
http://www.agoda.com/asia/south_korea/seoul/show_tel.html?asq=BNOmgoyPDC0QVEMNTwiltaI47qwGAZBNk1LrYbxuWFg%3d
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn2.agoda.net%2Fhotelimages%2F408%2F408327%2F408327_121119151254993_STD.jpg&hash=b5337c18e7ffce1e2ad72f4acd7ac1ca7e9ec0ba)
So, how you doing? What have you visited so far?
Bought train tickets, will arrive at Seoul Station at 6:22 on Friday
Saw most of the palaces yesterday. They're all rather samey but nice enough, very Chinese styled.
I've been trying lots of American food which you can't get elsewhere. Tried taco bell for the first time, it was ok but small for the price. I note a lot of decently priced pizza about, I shall have to get that tonight. So much American stuff....
I did have some Korean food though. Kimchi and cheese ramen and Korean gyoza, which I didn't know they did here. It was good.
Pub wise I have not spotted much. Wednesday had a couple in two foreign pubs. One of which had a big beer pong setup, a few other bars I noticed advertised that too. Wonder if that is American too, I only know it from Sweden.
Yesterday went walking to what is meant to be the indie area. What few potentially likely places I saw were empty. Couldn't find the one I was looking for. Lots of shouty generic bars about. One, rather delightfully called club ho, is everywhere. I think Japan has aged me. I've never been big on clubs but the loud terrible music never repulsed me so much. This supposed Korean Camden seems more like roppongi than shimokita :(
Girls seem normal. More taller ones than Japan maybe, which is nice, but generally they're rather the same. Not too many cases of overt plasticism have been noticed. Not that I have any hopes of anything, but it's nice to look.
Japanese seems much more widespread than English here. Japanese pubs are everywhere and lots of restaurants with japanese but not English menus.
Today suwon. At some point I've the royal temple, a final palace and the war museum to do. Maybe the big tower too.
Quote from: Tyr on March 27, 2013, 07:24:58 PM
Tried taco bell for the first time, it was ok but small for the price.
:hmm:
I suppose you're paying theme park Taco Bell prices and not regular Taco Bell prices there. It's one of the cheapest places to eat around in the US. But tourists will overpay.
I went to a Korean BBQ last week. It was pretty good!
FYI Squeeze, cheese ramen is not a typically Korean dish. Cheese is as alien to Korea as it is to anywhere else in East Asia.
Quote from: Syt on March 26, 2013, 05:52:13 AM
http://world.time.com/2013/03/25/filial-pity-is-south-korea-doing-enough-to-stop-elderly-suicides/
QuoteFilial Pity: Is South Korea Doing Enough to Stop Elderly Suicides?
The Korea Suicide Prevention Center has a message for the people of South Korea: "Life is precious! We can protect it." The slogan, displayed in pamphlets, placards and on its website, is meant to encourage people to seek help if they are feeling suicidal. All too often, it seems, that message is not getting through. An average of 43 people commit suicide on any given day, making South Korea the most suicide-prone country in the developed world. Unlike most rich countries, South Korea's suicide rate — nearly triple that of the U.S. — has been rising dramatically, jumping by 101.8% from 2000 to 2010. The rate is twice as high among the elderly.
(MORE: South Korea Rattled by Suicide of Bullied Teen)
Why are South Korean seniors so prone to suicide? Though researchers are still trying to understand the trend, they point to several overlapping factors. For one, there's history. Social workers say suicide among the elderly population is in some ways a by-product of the country's breakneck industrialization, an economic transformation that turned South Korea into one of the richest nations in the world. During this time especially, the whole country was so fixated on prosperity that people who were more economically productive were considered more valuable members of society. That perception still exists. Elderly citizens, who are generally perceived as less productive, are therefore seen as less valuable. "Our society has become extremely competitive in the past 30 to 40 years of economic development, and we have turned into a society that does not care for our weakest members," explains Kim Dong-hyun, who teaches social medicine at Hallym University.
The country's economic transformation has changed social relations too. Confucianism, which emphasizes filial piety, has been the bedrock of Korean society for hundreds of years and, historically, older citizens would rely on their children to take care of them. That is changing and has been compounded by high rates of migration. Today many older Koreans do not live under same roof as their children and grandchildren. "The collapse of communities and the collective ostracization of elderly citizens are driving them over the edge," says Kim.
When the elderly end up alone, they often have little in the way of a safety net. South Korea has one of the lowest rates of social spending among members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the country's old-age poverty rate is the highest among rich nations. In 2005, more than 45% of Koreans aged 65 and above lived in relative poverty, according to the OECD. Seoul introduced a national pension service, but in 1988 — too late for many of today's elderly citizens. In 2008, the government started the Basic Old-Age Pension System for people who meet income and asset requirements; roughly 70% of the elderly receive benefits under this scheme. Even so, the amount they receive sometimes falls short of the elderly living costs recommended by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
(MORE: Seoul Launches Suicide Watchdog)
The government is starting to take some action. Two years ago, Seoul enacted a suicide-prevention law, but a meager budget constrains the effectiveness and scope of government policies. Last year, according to the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA), the government spent $3 million on suicide-prevention programs — a mere 0.5% of what Japan spent in 2010 for the same purpose. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health and Welfare started a new suicide-prevention program called Look, Listen, Talk for caretakers and schoolteachers. And two weeks ago, the National Assembly launched a campaign to expand counseling services for suicide-prone citizens. Although such programs are necessary, critics say they focus on intervention rather than getting rid of conditions that push people over the edge. "For prevention projects we need budgetary support," says Chang Young-sik a researcher at KIHASA. "The government has tried to cope with the problem but it has not done enough yet."
On the policy front, the government needs to invest more money to promote the well-being of senior citizens. A bigger budget for the elderly means more jobs and community centers and higher basic pension benefits — all of which could help alleviate old-age poverty and loneliness. "We need to think about the fundamental problem of why so many elderly citizens are mired in poverty and driven to despair," says Ha Jung-hwa, a professor of social welfare at Seoul National University. "I wish Korean society would operate under the basic premise that elderly citizens also have a right to happiness and a right to end their lives with beauty."
I blame Tim.
Don't kill your self Yi! It'll get better!
Quote from: Tyr on March 27, 2013, 07:24:58 PM
Saw most of the palaces yesterday. They're all rather samey but nice enough, very Chinese styled.
Changdeokgung palace is by far the superior one in my opinion.
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264348
Quote
I've been trying lots of American food which you can't get elsewhere. Tried taco bell for the first time, it was ok but small for the price. I note a lot of decently priced pizza about, I shall have to get that tonight. So much American stuff....
I did have some Korean food though. Kimchi and cheese ramen and Korean gyoza, which I didn't know they did here. It was good.
You gotta try Korean barbeque, it's the best thing they do.
Quote
Pub wise I have not spotted much. Wednesday had a couple in two foreign pubs. One of which had a big beer pong setup, a few other bars I noticed advertised that too. Wonder if that is American too, I only know it from Sweden.
Yesterday went walking to what is meant to be the indie area. What few potentially likely places I saw were empty. Couldn't find the one I was looking for. Lots of shouty generic bars about. One, rather delightfully called club ho, is everywhere. I think Japan has aged me. I've never been big on clubs but the loud terrible music never repulsed me so much. This supposed Korean Camden seems more like roppongi than shimokita :(
Hongdae has many more clubs than actual bars, and even most bars get so packed with people they might as well be. That's just how it is. I know a few places you might like. Club Ho is actual a place for couples to go on dates! :lol:
I'm pretty sure we've told you this before, but yes, Beer Pong is American.
Suwon is awesome. shits on any of the seoul attractions
club ho is for dates? lol. i got the opposite impression, that it was aimed at men. what with the name, loud music andgeneral aura.
why so many of them?
Quote from: Tyr on March 28, 2013, 03:03:53 AM
Suwon is awesome. shits on any of the seoul attractions
I love Suwon but that's straight up crazy talk. :yeahright:
Have you been to the Memorial Museum in Yongsan? Have you been to the National Museum? Changdeokgung Palace? Namsan Tower?
Palace- yes. Others not yet.
One annoying/weird thing about Korea...the money. Feels so weird for 10000 to be 10 dollars and to spend two notes for buying a drink. Guess Americans are used to it with the paper dollar stuff. Doesn't feel right though. Notes are meant to be worth significant money dammit
The Memorial Museum is incredible. For a Languishite I'd rank it the #1 attraction in Korea. The Nationalist Museum in Cheonan is also pretty high on the list. I could take you to it if you come down here on Sunday. The National Museum in Seoul (traditional art) is pretty good too.
So, lets meet outside the McDonald's inside the station.
Josq is gonna be missing a kidney.
The thief's gonna feel gypped after he sees what Tyr's alcoholism has done to them.
By the way Tyr, I'll be wearing a brown leather jacket, straight out of Happy Days. Can't miss me.
On my way. Train 154.
Don't you two have cell phones or something? Do we really need the Dan Dierdorf play by play?
Quote from: CountDeMoney on March 29, 2013, 07:06:23 AM
Don't you two have cell phones or something? Do we really need the Dan Dierdorf play by play?
We do.
Don't you have boxwood or glossy abelia to piss on or something right now?
Quote from: CountDeMoney on March 29, 2013, 09:01:36 AM
Don't you have boxwood or glossy abelia to piss on or something right now?
Hasn't been the same since the Madonna ditch incident. :(
Quote from: garbon on March 29, 2013, 09:05:19 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on March 29, 2013, 09:01:36 AM
Don't you have boxwood or glossy abelia to piss on or something right now?
Hasn't been the same since the Madonna ditch incident. :(
No kidding. I really haven't been the same since she ditched Sean, either.
I am alive! :ph34r:
:(
My stomach however is suffering at Ed Anger 1 level. :cry:
Really shouldn't have followed the quesadillas and enchallida I ate with that BBQ bacon burger.
This thread might need a change of title, what with being at war and everything.
Anyone else finds it ironic that Tim, who normally posts about all kinds of stupid shit, posts about quesadilas but fails to post a story about the country he is in just getting war declared on it by a neighbor?
Will the war mine asteroids? No? Well there's your answer.
Incidentally, the Providence conspiring to cause a nuclear holocaust of a whole country only to get Tim and Tyr: an overkill or a just retribution?
Discuss.
The Slavs and the articles is not good mix.
Quote from: Martinus on March 30, 2013, 01:58:56 AM
Incidentally, the Providence conspiring to cause a nuclear holocaust of a whole country only to get Tim and Tyr: an overkill or a just retribution?
Discuss.
Like all Rhode Islanders it's stupid.
Quote from: Martinus on March 30, 2013, 01:51:51 AM
Anyone else finds it ironic that Tim, who normally posts about all kinds of stupid shit, posts about quesadilas but fails to post a story about the country he is in just getting war declared on it by a neighbor?
It doesn't mean anything. Technically the war never ended anyways.
However, just for special snowflakes like you, here's an article by the Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/03/30/heres-north-koreas-official-declaration-of-war/
Quote
Here's North Korea's official declaration of 'war'
Posted by Max Fisher on March 30, 2013 at 12:49 am
A few notes about this document just released by North Korean state media.
First, North and South Korea have technically been at a state of war since the Korean War began six decades ago. So, while this "declaration of war" certainly sounds scary, the rhetoric alone does not change anything substantial.
Second, North Korea does not appear to have taken many concrete steps toward actual war. There have been no reports, for example, of the country massing its troops along the border. War is a big, complicated logistical undertaking, especially when you're a particularly poor country trying to shuffle 1.1. million troops into place. They're not exactly a lightening-response force.
And, third, the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a large facility staffed by South and North Korean workers just on the northern side of the border, is still running smoothly, according to Reuters. As I wrote earlier, the fact that North Korea is bothering to keep Kaesong open suggests that it does not think war will actually break out, which would seem to bolster skepticism about whether or not it has any intention of following through on its war threats.
OK, the full declaration is below. It's typical, chest-thumping North Korean rhetoric that hits the usual points. Do try to hang on until the end, if you can; it's a real roller-coaster ride of a propaganda piece. No one brandishes adjectives and verbs with more earnest fervor than North Korea's state media. We hope everyone is enjoying this "sacred war of justice" so far!
Quote
The moves of the U.S. imperialists to violate the sovereignty of the DPRK and encroach upon its supreme interests have entered an extremely grave phase. Under this situation, the dear respected Marshal Kim Jong Un, brilliant commander of Mt. Paektu, convened an urgent operation meeting on the performance of duty of the Strategic Rocket Force of the Korean People's Army for firepower strike and finally examined and ratified a plan for firepower strike.
The important decision made by him is the declaration of a do-or-die battle to provide an epochal occasion for putting an end to the history of the long-standing showdown with the U.S. and opening a new era. It is also a last warning of justice served to the U.S., south Korean group and other anti-reunification hostile forces. The decision reflects the strong will of the army and people of the DPRK to annihilate the enemies.
Now the heroic service personnel and all other people of the DPRK are full of surging anger at the U.S. imperialists' reckless war provocation moves, and the strong will to turn out as one in the death-defying battle with the enemies and achieve a final victory of the great war for national reunification true to the important decision made by Kim Jong Un.
The Supreme Command of the KPA in its previous statement solemnly declared at home and abroad the will of the army and people of the DPRK to take decisive military counteraction to defend the sovereignty of the country and the dignity of its supreme leadership as regards the war moves of the U.S. and south Korean puppets that have reached the most extreme phase.
Not content with letting B-52 make sorties into the sky over south Korea in succession despite the repeated warnings of the DPRK, the U.S. made B-2A stealth strategic bomber and other ultra-modern strategic strike means fly from the U.S. mainland to south Korea to stage a bombing drill targeting the DPRK. This is an unpardonable and heinous provocation and an open challenge.
By taking advantage of the U.S. reckless campaign for a nuclear war against the DPRK, the south Korean puppets vociferated about "preemptive attack" and "strong counteraction" and even "strike at the commanding forces", openly revealing the attempt to destroy monuments symbolic of the dignity of the DPRK's supreme leadership.
This clearly shows that the U.S. brigandish ambition for aggression and the puppets' attempt to invade the DPRK have gone beyond the limit and their threats have entered the reckless phase of an actual war from the phase of threat and blackmail.
The prevailing grim situation more clearly proves that the Supreme Command of the KPA was just when it made the judgment and decision to decisively settle accounts with the U.S. imperialists and south Korean puppets by dint of the arms of Songun, because time when words could work has passed.
Now they are openly claiming that the B-2A stealth strategic bombers' drill of dropping nuclear bombs was "not to irritate the north" but "the defensive one". The U.S. also says the drill is "to defend the interests of its ally". However, it is nothing but a lame pretext to cover up its aggressive nature, evade the denunciation at home and abroad and escape from the DPRK's retaliatory blows.
The era when the U.S. resorted to the policy of strength by brandishing nuclear weapons has gone.
It is the resolute answer of the DPRK and its steadfast stand to counter the nuclear blackmail of the U.S. imperialists with merciless nuclear attack and their war of aggression with just all-out war.
They should clearly know that in the era of Marshal Kim Jong Un, the greatest-ever commander, all things are different from what they used to be in the past.
The hostile forces will clearly realize the iron will, matchless grit and extraordinary mettle of the brilliant commander of Mt. Paektu that the earth cannot exist without Songun Korea.
Time has come to stage a do-or-die final battle.
The government, political parties and organizations of the DPRK solemnly declare as follows reflecting the final decision made by Kim Jong Un at the operation meeting of the KPA Supreme Command and the unanimous will of all service personnel and people of the DPRK who are waiting for a final order from him.
1.From this moment, the north-south relations will be put at the state of war and all the issues arousing between the north and the south will be dealt with according to the wartime regulations.
The state of neither peace nor war has ended on the Korean Peninsula.
Now that the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK have entered into an actual military action, the inter-Korean relations have naturally entered the state of war. Accordingly, the DPRK will immediately punish any slightest provocation hurting its dignity and sovereignty with resolute and merciless physical actions without any prior notice.
2. If the U.S. and the south Korean puppet group perpetrate a military provocation for igniting a war against the DPRK in any area including the five islands in the West Sea of Korea or in the area along the Military Demarcation Line, it will not be limited to a local war, but develop into an all-out war, a nuclear war.
It is self-evident that any military conflict on the Korean Peninsula is bound to lead to an all-out war, a nuclear war now that even U.S. nuclear strategic bombers in its military bases in the Pacific including Hawaii and Guam and in its mainland are flying into the sky above south Korea to participate in the madcap DPRK-targeted nuclear war moves.
The first strike of the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK will blow up the U.S. bases for aggression in its mainland and in the Pacific operational theatres including Hawaii and Guam and reduce not only its military bases in south Korea but the puppets' ruling institutions including Chongwadae and puppet army's bases to ashes at once, to say nothing of the aggressors and the provokers.
3. The DPRK will never miss the golden chance to win a final victory in a great war for national reunification.
This war will not be a three day-war but it will be a blitz war through which the KPA will occupy all areas of south Korea including Jeju Island at one strike, not giving the U.S. and the puppet warmongers time to come to their senses, and a three-dimensional war to be fought in the air, land and seas and on the front line and in the rear.
This sacred war of justice will be a nation-wide, all-people resistance involving all Koreans in the north and the south and overseas in which the traitors to the nation including heinous confrontation maniacs, warmongers and human scum will be mercilessly swept away.
No force on earth can break the will of the service personnel and people of the DPRK all out in the just great war for national reunification and of all other Koreans and overpower their might.
Holding in high esteem the peerlessly great men of Mt. Paektu, the Korean people will give vent to the pent-up grudge and realize their cherished desire and thus bring a bright day of national reunification and build the best power on this land without fail.
It's harmless. See? The leadership is still preparing for their production of Phantom of the Opera.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.orf.at%2Fstatic%2Fimages%2Fsite%2Fnews%2F20130313%2Fnordkorea_raketen_bereitschaft_kim_un_body_r.2214324.jpg&hash=f6bcac18981f6323c3a3d85004eb1e959e8bd55e)
I was at the dmz today. It was all business as usual.
Met Tim yesterday. He took me to get Mexican food. It was good though again pricey for what there is to it. Guess I'm not used to paying for quality. Was sadly too super exhausted to do much. And my trousers were falling down, horrible case of good old afternoon slippage.
Tyr was not exactly the drunken party animal we were all lead to believe.
Maybe he's just like that sober.
Quote from: Syt on March 30, 2013, 03:07:11 AM
It's harmless. See? The leadership is still preparing for their production of Phantom of the Opera.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.orf.at%2Fstatic%2Fimages%2Fsite%2Fnews%2F20130313%2Fnordkorea_raketen_bereitschaft_kim_un_body_r.2214324.jpg&hash=f6bcac18981f6323c3a3d85004eb1e959e8bd55e)
I bet it's really hard to find a emulator to run old SCUD missile programs on a Mac.
Maybe some stuff can be re-used from the SAM Simulator (https://sites.google.com/site/samsimulator1972/)?
Quote from: Tyr on March 30, 2013, 03:25:06 AM
I was at the dmz today. It was all business as usual.
Met Tim yesterday. He took me to get Mexican food. It was good though again pricey for what there is to it. Guess I'm not used to paying for quality. Was sadly too super exhausted to do much. And my trousers were falling down, horrible case of good old afternoon slippage.
Coolest country and timing for a Languish meet-up, yet ? :cool:
List ?
Or was it's presence in the back pocket and subsequent loss, the cause and consequence of the trouser accident ?
NEVER hiking with Koreans again.
My God, we're lucky nobody died, that was straight up mountain climbing.
All the money I saved on that sweet plane ticket was lost on lodging and more, fucking Japan and it's ridiculous prices. Anything reasonable is an hour from anywhere and would cost just as much to travel to and waste tons of valuable time as well. <_<
:unsure:
I always found hotels in Japan to be pretty cheap. What site are you using?
Quote from: Tyr on August 05, 2013, 08:58:21 AM
:unsure:
I always found hotels in Japan to be pretty cheap. What site are you using?
PM time
Staying at hotel 15 minutes trim the airport, heading out to Kyoto tomorrow morning! :)
Using hotels?
Oh dear, how horrifying!
In any event, I was just in Kobe- If I had remembered you were coming to Kyoto i'd have lingered, but now i've gone and left kansai behind again. I think I need to go to Kagoshima.
Quote from: Lettow77 on August 09, 2013, 09:02:55 AM
Using hotels?
Oh dear, how horrifying!
Who needs a hotel when there's always an overpass? :wacko:
Quote from: Lettow77 on August 09, 2013, 09:02:55 AM
Using hotels?
Oh dear, how horrifying!
I think you meant to state how horrifying it would be to not stay at a hotel. But then that doesn't really need stating.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FPmDkEg3.png&hash=9a494a02e8fcf56202c403ff50353ddd307e8240)
You are all enslaved by your decadent lifestyles
All luxury imaginable is provided in gensokyo in any event;
everyone is a little girl, and every little girl can be a fairy princess
I don't want to be a fairy princess, I just want solitude and a mattress to lie down on.
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 09, 2013, 09:52:57 AM
I don't want to be a fairy princess, I just want solitude and a mattress to lie down on.
And I'm already a fairy queen so I'll pass on that.
@Lettow - No, hotels in and of themselves are not decadent. In fact many are pretty dreadful.
The mattress is a bourgeois affectation, but you can have a soft-enough mat to lay on and a fair approximation of privacy in the form of cubicle stalls for well shy of $20 an evening, along with all-you-can drink refreshment and other amenities. Notably, these places are often extremely well located- better so than hotels on average, I think.
This time of year, though, one can find plenty of Japanese sleeping outside, typically by train stations. It is somewhat accepted among young Japanese who are travelling- it is a safe and considerate country, and the police/station staff take a tolerant view.
Edit: Besides that, Kyoto in particular is famed for its particularly affordable traditional pilgrim housing. Inexpensive, an interesting experience, etc etc. Missed opportunity.
Quote from: Lettow77 on August 09, 2013, 09:58:57 AM
The mattress is a bourgeois affectation
aka not being a hobo.
Quote from: Lettow77 on August 09, 2013, 09:58:57 AM
The mattress is a bourgeois affectation, but you can have a soft-enough mat to lay on and a fair approximation of privacy in the form of cubicle stalls for well shy of $20 an evening, along with all-you-can drink refreshment and other amenities. Notably, these places are often extremely well located- better so than hotels on average, I think.
This time of year, though, one can find plenty of Japanese sleeping outside, typically by train stations. It is somewhat accepted among young Japanese who are travelling- it is a safe and considerate country, and the police/station staff take a tolerant view.
Edit: Besides that, Kyoto in particular is famed for its particularly affordable traditional pilgrim housing. Inexpensive, an interesting experience, etc etc. Missed opportunity.
Interesting, thanks Lettow. :)
Quote from: Lettow77 on August 09, 2013, 09:51:29 AM
You are all enslaved by your decadent lifestyles
All luxury imaginable is provided in gensokyo in any event;
everyone is a little girl, and every little girl can be a fairy princess
At least now I finally know what Robert E Lee was fighting for.
Quote from: wikipediaNeolithic period: The mattress and bed are invented. Beds are raised off the ground to avoid drafts, dirt, and pests. The first mattress probably consisted of a pile of leaves, grass, or possibly straw, with animal skins over it.
3600 B.C.: Beds made of goatskins filled with water are used in Persia.
3400 B.C.: Egyptians sleep on palm boughs heaped in the corners of their homes.
200 B.C.: Mattresses in Ancient Rome consist of bags of cloth stuffed with reeds, hay, or wool; the wealthy use feather stuffing.
15th century: During the Renaissance, mattresses are made of pea shucks, straw, or sometimes feathers, stuffed into coarse ticks, and covered with velvets and brocades.
16th and 17th centuries: Mattresses are stuffed with straw or down and placed atop a bed consisting of a timber frame with support latticeworks of rope or leather.
Early 18th century: Mattresses are stuffed with cotton or wool.
Mid 18th century: Mattress covers begin to be made of quality linen or cotton. The mattress cane box is shaped or bordered, and fillings include natural fibers such as coconut fibre, cotton, wool, and horsehair. The mattress is tufted or buttoned to attach the stuffing to the cover and the edges are stitched.
Late 19th century: The box-spring is invented to distribute weight and act as a shock absorber, thereby lengthening the life of an innerspring mattress.
1926: Dunlop introduced a technology to produce vulcanized rubber latex foam. Similar foams still are used in latex mattresses and pillows (hence the name Dunlopillo). Initially it was only sold to British royalty.
1930s: Innerspring mattresses and upholstered foundations become widely used, and artificial fillers become common. Encased coil spring mattresses, which consist of individual springs sewn into linked fabric bags, are introduced.
1940s: Air mattresses constructed of vulcanized rubber-coated fabric are introduced.
1960s: The modern waterbed is introduced and gains its first widespread use. Adjustable beds gain popularity. The California king size bed is introduced.[5]
1970s: NASA invents material that later becomes known as memory foam.[6]
1970s: A more advanced technology to produce synthetic foam rubber mattresses and pillows enabled factories to mass-market latex foam and reduce the consumption of natural rubber latex.
1992: Tempur-Pedic introduces a mattress made from memory foam.
1992: Fibrelux introduces a mattress made from rubberized coir.
2000: Simmons Bedding Co. invents the "no-flip" mattress, a one-sided construction style that has since been adopted by most North American mattress manufacturers.[7]
Robert E. Lee, as has been previously discussed, would doubtlessly correspond with the most perfect and composed sort of little girl. As previously discussed:
Quote
Lee is a very reserved girl, with white hair in short-to-medium bangs. She participates in tea ceremony, and is extremely elegant, admired by all. Although she is the most ladylike character, she is not arrogant, but criminally aloof. She always seems happy, albeit in a restrained manner, but is frustrated by her inability to be understood by those around her; she will place great forethought into subtle actions and the creation of a specific atmosphere to convey her feelings indirectly, but inevitably be misunderstood except by the girl who loves her the most.
JESUS CHRIST.
Quote from: Lettow77 on August 09, 2013, 10:07:49 AM
Robert E. Lee, as has been previously discussed, would doubtlessly correspond with the most perfect and composed sort of little girl. As previously discussed:
Quote
Lee is a very reserved girl, with white hair in short-to-medium bangs. She participates in tea ceremony, and is extremely elegant, admired by all. Although she is the most ladylike character, she is not arrogant, but criminally aloof. She always seems happy, albeit in a restrained manner, but is frustrated by her inability to be understood by those around her; she will place great forethought into subtle actions and the creation of a specific atmosphere to convey her feelings indirectly, but inevitably be misunderstood except by the girl who loves her the most.
I'm guessing that would be more horrifying to Lee than anything the triumvirate of Lincoln, Grant, and Sherman did.
That is needless trolling! Sherman and Forrest are the closest things to tomboys in the setting of Haiiro Hanasaku, although neither the mold perfectly.
I think Lee might have liked it. He was a very jovial man under the stuffiness he bore so majestically. That JEB would've gotten a laugh from it is closer to a certainty. The only people who might genuinely be displeased are Jackson and Early- One for never knowing how to have fun, and the other for being too sour and serious.
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on August 09, 2013, 10:04:40 AM
Quote from: Lettow77 on August 09, 2013, 09:51:29 AM
You are all enslaved by your decadent lifestyles
All luxury imaginable is provided in gensokyo in any event;
everyone is a little girl, and every little girl can be a fairy princess
At least now I finally know what Robert E Lee was fighting for.
:(
Quote from: mongers on August 09, 2013, 10:02:26 AM
Quote from: Lettow77 on August 09, 2013, 09:58:57 AM
The mattress is a bourgeois affectation, but you can have a soft-enough mat to lay on and a fair approximation of privacy in the form of cubicle stalls for well shy of $20 an evening, along with all-you-can drink refreshment and other amenities. Notably, these places are often extremely well located- better so than hotels on average, I think.
This time of year, though, one can find plenty of Japanese sleeping outside, typically by train stations. It is somewhat accepted among young Japanese who are travelling- it is a safe and considerate country, and the police/station staff take a tolerant view.
Edit: Besides that, Kyoto in particular is famed for its particularly affordable traditional pilgrim housing. Inexpensive, an interesting experience, etc etc. Missed opportunity.
Interesting, thanks Lettow. :)
When I was in Kyoto, I stayed at a ryoken...the best choice for that cultural immersion, and the one I was in was nice, clean, and reasonably priced.
The big downside I noticed with the purely Japanese hotels (not so much with "americanized" chains), is that if you're traveling with friends and will share a room...they would often charge strictly per person (i.e. $240 for two people in one room, that you'd pay $120 for if you were by yourself).
When I was in Japan (hanging out waiting for a work visa for Korea) I once slept on the floor of a health club for like $10. The place was jammed with dudes who had been drinking late.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 09, 2013, 04:31:37 PM
When I was in Japan (hanging out waiting for a work visa for Korea) I once slept on the floor of a health club for like $10. The place was jammed with dudes who had been drinking late.
I've done that in Korea. I'm done with hostels and shifty motels, I'm on vacation, I want to sleep well.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 09, 2013, 05:48:55 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 09, 2013, 04:31:37 PM
When I was in Japan (hanging out waiting for a work visa for Korea) I once slept on the floor of a health club for like $10. The place was jammed with dudes who had been drinking late.
I've done that in Korea. I'm done with hostels and shifty motels, I'm on vacation, I want to sleep well.
So bougie.
Quote from: Lettow77 on August 09, 2013, 09:02:55 AM
In any event, I was just in Kobe- If I had remembered you were coming to Kyoto i'd have lingered, but now i've gone and left kansai behind again. I think I need to go to Kagoshima.
Could have used you at the Kyoto International Manga Museum. They had a mammoth special exhibit on the history of ballet in Japan and in Manga. Sounds right up your alley. ;)
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 11, 2013, 04:50:10 AM
Could have used you at the Kyoto International Manga Museum. They had a mammoth special exhibit on the history of ballet in Japan and in Manga. Sounds right up your alley. ;)
Ooh! They must have had a good section on Princess Tutu! That does sound like a ton of fun. I wonder if they worked in the Utena dance musical?
Edit: But you really did miss out on the internet cafe experience. I am adjacent to the few shared stalls, and hear a couple breathily having sex a few feet away. The woman (for we can't properly call her a lady..) makes unforceful "iya da and "dame" noises, and as I enjoy macadamia nuts and tea reclining on a wonderful cushion, it lends the area an air of cheap and restrained sin. They are adding to the ambiance.
All Lettow needs now as an opium den to stroll into.
So from google translate I gather Lettow sat by as a Japanese woman was raped. :hmm:
Oh My God I'm so ducking blasted, the drinks were ridiculously overpriced, but their strength madeup for it. Plus the bartender gave me a free glass ofchampagne!
Timmay is going to be date raped. :(
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 13, 2013, 09:44:25 AM
Oh My God I'm so ducking blasted, the drinks were ridiculously overpriced, but their strength madeup for it. Plus the bartender gave me a free glass ofchampagne!
How...plebian.
Quote from: Ed Anger on August 13, 2013, 11:38:14 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 13, 2013, 09:44:25 AM
Oh My God I'm so ducking blasted, the drinks were ridiculously overpriced, but their strength madeup for it. Plus the bartender gave me a free glass ofchampagne!
How...plebian.
Drunk posting from the lobby ^_^
Get help.
Good help is hard to find.
Fled out of Japan already? It seems like i'll be in Kobe again tomorrow; if you are gone, i'll have the distinction of having been in the area immediately prior and following your appearance..
I keep a busier schedule than I like. I only just got back from Kitakyushu.
Yeah, sorry, I was only in Japan for nine days. :(
I'm sure you'd have smelled Lettow if you stayed downwind from him.
I'm meeting a 32 year old in Iizuka sunday for drinks. But on saturday I have to meet a 34 year old for a few hours at a cafe in hakata. Why are there all these ara-araing older women who want to take advantage of me :(
Quote from: Lettow77 on August 22, 2013, 09:08:30 AM
I'm meeting a 32 year old in Iizuka sunday for drinks. But on saturday I have to meet a 34 year old for a few hours at a cafe in hakata. Why are there all these ara-araing older women who want to take advantage of me :(
Younger women can't afford to take care of you. They'd rather you take care of them.
They want to suck your passport out of you. That's what you get for living in big city Japan.
>>Iizuka
>>big city Japan
It's good to see you are your positive self, though :3
Quote from: Tyr on August 22, 2013, 09:22:15 AM
They want to suck your passport out of you. That's what you get for living in big city Japan.
You make Japan sound like a third world country. Certainly that kind of thing hasn't been common in Korea for 20 years.
Well, he has a point that around that age many Japanese women feel suffocated by their society and want to escape. This is unvirtuous, of course; they are supposed to demurely and attractively suffer in silence.
What Lettow says. Sort of.
There are a lot of 30-something women (younger ones even to a lesser extent) who see hooking up with a foreigner and moving abroad as a way out from their sexist, conformist, once you're past 25 you're unmarrigable society.
Quote>>Iizuka
>>big city Japan
It's good to see you are your positive self, though :3
That's quite thoroughly within Greater Fukuoka, its the big city.
Quote from: Tyr on August 22, 2013, 11:56:49 AM
There are a lot of 30-something women (younger ones even to a lesser extent) who see hooking up with a foreigner and moving abroad as a way out from their sexist, conformist, once you're past 25 you're unmarrigable society.
Ironic since most of the guys who would do that are probably hoping for a girl who acts like a conforming Japanese girl. :P
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on August 22, 2013, 12:23:59 PM
Quote from: Tyr on August 22, 2013, 11:56:49 AM
There are a lot of 30-something women (younger ones even to a lesser extent) who see hooking up with a foreigner and moving abroad as a way out from their sexist, conformist, once you're past 25 you're unmarrigable society.
Ironic since most of the guys who would do that are probably hoping for a girl who acts like a conforming Japanese girl. :P
:yes:
Its a pretty frequent problem with Japanese-Westerner relationships apparently. The Japanese girl wants to go off and seek adventure abroad whilst the foreign guy wants to stay in the country he loves and live a Japanese life.
It is said that the best relationships come to be had with girls who previously didn't really have much interest in learning English and foreign things. Sadly/obviously getting them requires a minimum Japanese level. :(
Though I guess it should be said that many westernised, modern Japanese girls are still very traditional by western standards.
I need to find a way to meet some of these 30-something Japanese ladies who want to flee towards adventure in the West. :hmm:
Quote from: Tonitrus on August 22, 2013, 04:08:04 PM
I need to find a way to meet some of these 30-something Japanese ladies who want to flee towards adventure in the West. :hmm:
You need to get sent to a base over there for a few years.
Is it just me or do Koreans pronounce idea with an R on the end. It really sounds non-rhotic to me and is driving me crazy. Not because it bothers me, how can it when I come from Rhode Island. I can't figure out if it's just my mind playing tricks on me and adding what it expects to hear or if they are really pronouncing it that way. This isn't just an issue of my students copying my pronunciation, I hear this from almost all Koreans who speak English.
Just you.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 27, 2013, 07:42:42 PM
Just you.
Why do I only hear it with Korean speakers then? I don't hear it when speaking to people from parts of America that don't speak like that. :hmm:
Heard there's supposedly a North Korean saying that goes "If you don't die this year, you'll regret it next year." :lol: :(
I already regret it.
http://blog.asiantown.net/-/22313/korean-twin-sisters-turn-into-another-totally-different-twin-sister-after-plastic-surgery-pics
Korea really does deserve to be better known as the land of plastic surgery.
In this case: good job surgeons, good job.
Quote from: Tyr on November 22, 2013, 07:14:03 AM
http://blog.asiantown.net/-/22313/korean-twin-sisters-turn-into-another-totally-different-twin-sister-after-plastic-surgery-pics
Korea really does deserve to be better known as the land of plastic surgery.
In this case: good job surgeons, good job.
An unusual case, since they actually needed the surgery.
Still, an amazing job.
For the sake of their kids, I sure hope Lamarck was right.
Quote from: Tonitrus on August 22, 2013, 04:08:04 PM
I need to find a way to meet some of these 30-something Japanese ladies who want to flee towards adventure in the West. :hmm:
I'm told that in Canada marriages between Japanese women and Canadian men has the highest divorce rate of any match-up, and I understand the situation is pretty similar in the US.
If true I think it may be down to a mismatch in expectations.
Quote from: Jacob on November 22, 2013, 12:15:37 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on August 22, 2013, 04:08:04 PM
I need to find a way to meet some of these 30-something Japanese ladies who want to flee towards adventure in the West. :hmm:
I'm told that in Canada marriages between Japanese women and Canadian men has the highest divorce rate of any match-up, and I understand the situation is pretty similar in the US.
If true I think it may be down to a mismatch in expectations.
I wouldnt mind living n Japan though. :P
Quote from: Tonitrus on November 22, 2013, 03:40:50 PM
Quote from: Jacob on November 22, 2013, 12:15:37 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on August 22, 2013, 04:08:04 PM
I need to find a way to meet some of these 30-something Japanese ladies who want to flee towards adventure in the West. :hmm:
I'm told that in Canada marriages between Japanese women and Canadian men has the highest divorce rate of any match-up, and I understand the situation is pretty similar in the US.
If true I think it may be down to a mismatch in expectations.
I wouldnt mind living n Japan though. :P
I think the point is the Japanese woman who wants to live in the West would....
Quote from: crazy canuck on November 22, 2013, 03:46:50 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on November 22, 2013, 03:40:50 PM
Quote from: Jacob on November 22, 2013, 12:15:37 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on August 22, 2013, 04:08:04 PM
I need to find a way to meet some of these 30-something Japanese ladies who want to flee towards adventure in the West. :hmm:
I'm told that in Canada marriages between Japanese women and Canadian men has the highest divorce rate of any match-up, and I understand the situation is pretty similar in the US.
If true I think it may be down to a mismatch in expectations.
I wouldnt mind living n Japan though. :P
I think the point is the Japanese woman who wants to live in the West would....
I figured the point of view Jacob was referring to was likely along the lines of "Japanese woman get its on with Canadian dude, because she doesn't care for Japanese patriarchy, moves to Canada, but along with unexpected personality/cultural differences, gets homesick and wants to return to Japan/family".
Quote from: Tonitrus on November 22, 2013, 03:59:57 PM
I figured the point of view Jacob was referring to was likely along the lines of "Japanese woman get its on with Canadian dude, because she doesn't care for Japanese patriarchy, moves to Canada, but along with unexpected personality/cultural differences, gets homesick and wants to return to Japan/family".
This is all second hand - I have a few close Japanese women friends who in turn have many Japanese-women-married-locally friends - but my impression is it mostly has to do with very different bases for how a relationship functions, appropriate areas for give and take, what the appropriate levels of hard work for the relationship vs self-indulgence, and all the unspoken assumptions that people bring into a relationship. Those are challenges in all relationships to a degree of course, and are more likely to be pronounced in cross cultural ones; and lack of solid communication exacerbates that.
The pattern - again very anecdotal - seems to be that the Japanese woman will tend to bring a whole bunch of the "these are things I do for you" that are socially expected in Japan to the relationship; it will be less expected by the Western man, which takes some pressure off the woman and is attractive at first, but over time he'll end up taking it for granted to a certain extent. Conversely the guy will not bring many of the things expected of the male partner to the table - initially this is seen by the woman as refreshing and liberating, but as the relationship goes on it ends up seeming pretty uneven for the woman.
Obviously, plenty of couples avoid it because they're good matches personality wise or because they communicate well and so on, but there does seem to be a pattern to the failed relationships that involves unrealistic romantic expectations on both sides exacerbated by a cultural mismatch of expected standards and an inability to communicate effectively.
... I suppose that can be summed up with "I miss home" in a way.
Quote from: Jacob on November 22, 2013, 04:53:58 PM
... I suppose that can be summed up with "I miss home" in a way.
The couples I know who had trouble were slightly different. The women became completely Westernized whereas the men still wanted the wives they had first married. All couples change over time but these sorts of cultural changes can be more abrupt. But in the end it as you say, the expectations the women had for what they were getting out of the marriage changed but the men generally didnt.
Well, it doesn't matter too much...I figure I am doomed to CdM-like bachelorhood anyway. :P
Without even a cat...
I would think that many divorces happen fairly soon after they learn a common language.
Quote from: Tonitrus on November 22, 2013, 05:56:35 PM
Well, it doesn't matter too much...I figure I am doomed to CdM-like bachelorhood anyway. :P
Without even a cat...
:hug:
I'll totally try to hook you up if there's an opportunity.
One of the best thing about Korea is how you can just show up to the dentist or doctor's office without an appointment and usually get served within 15 minutes.
Went to the dentist today and was getting X-rayed and then sat in the cleaning chair in 5 minutes.
One of my students asked me to bring her to America in my luggage today! :lol:
You're a hs teacher in a small town right?
Ran into any students after they graduated (possibilities of nudge, nudge, wink wink)
Quote from: Tyr on November 26, 2013, 02:18:02 AM
You're a hs teacher in a small town right?
40-50,000 people in a metro-area of 2.2 million
Looks like the little dictator is all grown up! :cry:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/03/us-korea-north-jang-idUSBRE9B207Q20131203
Quote
North Korean power behind the throne believed dismissed: Seoul lawmaker
SEOUL Tue Dec 3, 2013 3:56am EST
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (R), walks past his uncle North Korean politician Jang Song-thaek, during a military parade to mark the birth anniversary of the late leader, Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang, in this file photo taken by Kyodo February 16, 2012. MANDATORY CREDIT REUTERS/Kyodo/File
(Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's uncle, considered the power behind the throne, is believed to have been dismissed from his posts, a South Korean lawmaker said on Tuesday, suggesting a huge upheaval in one of the world's most secretive states.
Jang Song Thaek was likely sacked as vice chairman of the North's powerful National Defense Commission and as a department head of the ruling Workers' Party, the lawmaker, Jung Cheong-rae, said citing a senior South Korean official with the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
"The briefing by an NIS senior official was that they believe Jang Song Thaek has lost his posts," Jung told a news briefing.
Two close aides to Jang in the Workers' Party had also been executed for corruption, Jung said, also citing the briefing.
"Following that, the NIS said it believes Jang Song Thaek has not been seen and has lost his posts," Jung told the briefing.
There was no immediate mention of Jang's fate on North Korea's KCNA news agency, the primary source of information on the country for outsiders which regularly threatens the democratic South and the United States with destruction.
Jang, who is married to Kim Jong Un's aunt, Kyong Hui, has been the central figure in a coterie of top officials and family members who worked to ensure the young and untested son of Kim Jong Il took over power when his father died in 2011.
Jang, who is widely seen as an advocate of economic reform, was previously purged in a power struggle in 2004 under Kim Jong Il's rule but was reinstated two years later.
Analysts who watch the North's power structure say Jang's removal would not have been possible without leader Kim Jong Un's approval.
Apart from domestic political problems, North Korea is involved in a protracted standoff with the West over its nuclear weapons program.
This year, Kim Jong Un has threatened the United States with nuclear attack, declared a "state of war" with South Korea and announced he was restarting a plutonium reactor at the Soviet-era Yongbyon nuclear plant - all on top of conducting a third nuclear test in February and a long-range rocket test last December.
(Reporting by Ju-min Park, James Pearson and Michelle Kim, writing by Jack Kim; Editing Nick Macfie)
Woah, didn't expect this. What to make of it... :hmm:
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/12/12/kim_jong_un_jang_song_thaek_north_korea_says_it_s_executed_kim_jong_un_s.html
QuoteNorth Korea Says It Has Executed Kim Jong Un's Uncle For Treason
North Korea state media announced Thursday that Kim Jong Un's uncle—a man who was once considered to be the second most powerful official in the Hermit Kingdon—has been executed for attempting to overthrow the government.
The news came as something of a surprise given Jang Song Thaek's previous role within the government, where he was believed to have helped Kim Jong Un consolidate power after the death of his father two years ago. Still, there had been rumblings of palace trouble, with recent reports suggesting that Jang Song Thaek had already been ousted from his position within Kim Jong Un's inner circle.
The official announcement came via the official North Korean English-language news site, KCNA, which—in its typically superlative-heavy and bombastic fashion—branded Jang Song Thaek everything from a "traitor for all ages" to "despicable human scum" to "worse than a dog." Here's a snippet from the KCNA report:
The accused is a traitor to the nation for all ages who perpetrated anti-party, counter-revolutionary factional acts in a bid to overthrow the leadership of our party and state and the socialist system. ...
He held higher posts than before and received deeper trust from supreme leader Kim Jong Un, in particular. The political trust and benevolence shown by the peerlessly great men of Mt. Paektu were something he hardly deserved. It is an elementary obligation of a human being to repay trust with sense of obligation and benevolence with loyalty.
However, despicable human scum Jang, who was worse than a dog, perpetrated thrice-cursed acts of treachery in betrayal of such profound trust and warmest paternal love shown by the party and the leader for him. From long ago, Jang had a dirty political ambition. He dared not raise his head when Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il were alive. But, reading their faces, Jang had an axe to grind and involved himself in double-dealing. He began revealing his true colors, thinking that it was just the time for him to realize his wild ambition in the period of historic turn when the generation of the revolution was replaced.
According to the Associated Press, Jang Song Thaek's ouster and unconfirmed execution has some analysts fearing that the purge could create dangerous instability within Kim Jong Un's already unpredictable government.
Why didn't you expect it? When you run a dictatorship it makes little sense to leave vanquished political opponents with a pulse.
I thought I had read that the uncle had been ostracized on multiple occasions before so it had looked like the recent bit was just another part of that cycle.
Quote from: OttoVonBismarck on December 12, 2013, 05:54:13 PM
Why didn't you expect it? When you run a dictatorship it makes little sense to leave vanquished political opponents with a pulse.
That statement is far too generalized. Not every dictatorship is a reprise of Stalin's greatest hits, though North Korea is. However, Kim Jong Il sacked Jang Song Thaek several times and he was never executed then.
Developments are kind of surprising considering this kid was nothing until a few years ago. How quickly he learned the family business....
Unless of course its just different factions of puppet masters at work.
I don't get the surprise either. Political purges (even of high ranking party members) and executions are fairly commonplace in totalitarian states.
"If you don't like your uncle, you can execute your uncle."
- President Obama
The Chinese internet rumour mill says that the uncle had slept with Kim's wife (before they were married), and that it is this fact coming to light that triggered the execution. They also say that the wife hasn't been seen in public for over fifty days.
Since the late 50's purges in North Korea have been secret and only mentioned long after the fact. This kind of public show is unprecedented.
http://www.nknews.org/2013/12/analysis-jang-song-thaeks-very-public-purge/
Quote
ANALYSIS: Jang Song Thaek's very public purge
Dr. Andrei Lankov discusses the very public political purge of the once powerful Jang Song Thaek
by Andrei Lankov , December 9, 2013
One cannot say that the two year long rule of Kim Jong Un has been tranquil and quiet. As a matter of fact, it has been marked by series of large scale purges – on a scale that North Korea has not seen for decades. Last year was a time when the top echelons of the military were systematically replaced. It now appears that the time for a similar purge of the civilian bureaucracy has come.
The very recent downfall of Jang Song Thaek – Kim Jong Un's uncle – is an important event. It can be described as both unexpected but also anticipated. On the one hand, Jang's displacement has been expected within certain circles for sometime now. On the other hand, the dramatic form this purge took is completely unexpected.
DANGERS OF A MENTOR'S JOB
When, in October 2010, the hitherto almost unknown Kim Jong Un was suddenly promoted to become his father's heir designate, it was rumored that in the case of his father's death (then not seen as a imminent prospect), the young Kim would be advised and assisted by a trio of elder officials.
This council of regency included Kim Jong Un's aunt Kim Kyong Hee, her husband and lifelong bureaucrat, the aforementioned Jang Song Thaek and Lee Yong Ho, a career soldier. It was widely assumed at the time that Kim Jong Il would be alive for another 5-10 years and that, therefore, the new heir would have some time to learn the wheels of the state and gather his own group of confidants gradually over time.
Things did not however turn out as expected, Kim Jong Il was to die in December of 2011, and Kim Jong Un suddenly found himself in charge of the country. Under the circumstances, the young leader had no choice but to rely on his father's team. It created manifold problems for Kim Jong Un – since virtually all his immediate subordinates are roughly double his age and have a dramatically different worldview and life experiences.
Such things in a Western country would create a lot of trouble for a company CEO even in the most individualist Western societies. Of course, it creates the greatest discomfort for an authoritarian leader in a nation with a strong Confucian background.
There is therefore little doubt that one of Kim Jong Un's major goals was to gradually dispose of his father's team, replacing these old people with a new generation of officials who are far closer to Kim Jong Un himself in their worldview and age. However, one should not expect that the old guard would go quietly. It is therefore not surprising that some would have to be removed forcibly.
The purge began in spring of 2012 when Kim Jong Un, having made an alliance with Jang Song Thaek and other civilian bureaucrats, essentially decapitated Kim Jong Il's army command. Established military leaders were replaced by lower leaders, and in July 2012, Ri Yong Ho, one of the three mentors, was removed. Soon after he became a non-person whereby his image was airbrushed out of photos, and his name was removed from all documents and texts that once mentioned his name in all subsequent prints.
Many observers expected that Kim Jong Un would eventually turn against top civilian bureaucrats, replacing them as well. This has happened, Jang is very similar in power terms to Ri Yong Ho, and his purge can therefore be seen as the first step in undermining the power of Kim Jong Il's old guard.
The fate of Jang has obviously been further aggravated by his position as mentor – he was by default supposed to pester and boss around the young ruler, giving him largely unsolicited advice. Being a mentor has always been a risky job, sooner or later the young king – or in this particular case 'Kim' – was going to come of age.
When this happens, he is likely to take out his grudges on the old men who used to boss him around and poked their noses into something that was clearly the King's exclusive business. A smart mentor must know when to retire, to be rewarded with a nice castle in the countryside. Many mentors however are too ambitious to know when is the time.
It indeed seems that, in this particular case, the King has developed a great deal of personal dislike and irritation for this particular mentor – this might be the reason why the long anticipated purge of Jang took a peculiar turn.
Nonetheless, one should not forget that Kim Jong Un's move against his father's old guard was logical and had little to do with his personal feelings. Until these people are removed from power, it is difficult – perhaps impossible – for Kim Jong Un to begin to execute a policy of his own, whatever that policy may be.
A MOST PECULIAR POLITICAL SHOW
While Jang Song Thaek's removal has been expected for some time, the North Korean public has been treated to a most unusual piece of political stagecraft. After several days of rumors, on early morning of the 9th December 2013, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea's official wire agency, issued a lengthy report about the alleged crimes of Jang Song Thaek. On the same day, the entire first page of Rodong Sinmun was dedicated to the same topic.
Finally, in the afternoon of the same day, North Korean television broadcast dramatic pictures of Jang being arrested at the extended meeting of the Korean Workers Party politburo. While the arrest itself is reminiscent of Beria's downfall in 1953 – Stalin's right-hand man was also arrested at a politburo meeting – it might be the first incident of this kind to ever be shown on TV.
The accusations against Jang are both nebulous and voluminous. He has been accused of counter-revolutionary factional activities, and also anti-state anti-party activities. It was said that he had had numerous affairs, used drugs and was a gambler to boot.
On a more serious note, he was accused of selling the country's resources too cheaply – a hint at deals with Chinese mining companies – and attempted to undermine the cabinet system. The much trumpeted accusations of factionalism have gained a lot of traction outside North Korea, but such accusations are rather unremarkable as pretty much every purged dignitary since the late 1950s has been accused of the sin of factionalism.
It is important to remember though that these events have little or no precedent in North Korean history. It is not widely understood, but since the late 1950s, all purges in North Korea have been done surreptitiously, with no direct mention being made publicly until long after the event.
In many, but by no means all cases, party cadres were issued with secret letters that described the alleged crimes of the purged officials. Such letters however were classified, and theoretically should remain beyond the reach of normal people. In some other cases, purges were mentioned writings on history – usually published many years later.
Even in the early 1950s, when the North Koreans still followed the Stalinist model of open, widely publicized purges, reports about the sins of unmasked counter-revolutionaries were never as prominent as the recent reports about Jang Song Thaek's misdeeds.
For example in December 1955, Pak Hon Yong the founder of the Korean Communist Party, had the report of his death sentence published in Rodong Sinmun but only as a small and short item. Needless to say, the decision to broadcast the footage of Jang Song Thaek's arrest is without precedent in North Korea's history and that of the Socialist bloc.
Why did Kim Jong Un initiate such a dramatic departure from established patterns? Of course, we can only guess, but two mutually compatible explanations are possible. First, it seems highly likely that the young leader holds a great personal grudge against Jang who is indeed known to be an overbearing and pushy person. Therefore, the usual irritation of a young king against an old mentor might be particularly strong.
Second, it is possible that the young leader is driven not merely by emotions but also by political calculations. The theatrics of Jang's public arrest might be designed to send a signal to all officials, telling them that the young leader, in spite of his weakness for exotic looking basketball players and Western music, is a tough leader one should never mess with.
Indeed, this seems to have been the intention. Contrary to many earlier expectations, Kim Jong Un has proven himself to be a surprising tough and ruthless leader, quite capable of outsmarting powerful enemies, and always ready to use violence against real or potential resistance.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
Of course one might ask what this all means for the country's future. Currently, many things remain uncertain, but some suggestions can still be made. The world media has recently described Jang Song Thaek as a closet reformer, this might indeed be the case, but we should not forget that the same man used to be a rumored hardliner.
In both cases, it is not clear where such assumptions come from. Most likely we are talking about generally unreliable hearsay, and we should therefore not see Jang's removal as a deadly blow to incipient reforms in North Korea.
It is also remarkable that changes in North Korea's economy (a new system of agricultural management, 14 new economic zones etc.) began to speed up in recent months, when Jang was out of favor. It is therefore likely that his removal will have little impact on the speed and direction of Kim Jong Un's moderate economic reforms.
Jang's removal might however have some impact on North Korea's relations with China. In Pyongyang, Jang was often seen as a China expert and was heavily involved with Sino-North Korean economic exchanges. Critical remarks about sales of resources to other countries at bargain prices might indicate that North Korea will become more hostile toward Chinese investment. Generally it seems that Kim Jong Un still harbors some expectations about the possible arrival of Western capital, and is therefore rather unenthusiastic about Chinese money.
However, one should not overestimate the significance of a such possible problems with China. At any rate, the Chinese are not too eager to dramatically increase their investment portfolio in North Korea. Their reluctance has to do with Jang.
It is possible, however, that the current political show will have an impact on the regime's internal cohesion. On the one hand, it might produce a healthy terrifying effect on officials, but it also likely to plant seeds of doubt into the minds of many common people and lower bureaucrats.
Jang's removal is an indicator of cracks in the North Korean leadership, and as history has shown many times, an obvious lack of cohesion among the top elite may encourage domestic discontent. However, it may take a rather long time before such an impact comes noticeable.
At any rate, Jang's removal has shown that the rules of the political game in Pyongyang are changing fast. It is clear that Kim Jong Un's North Korea will be very different from the North Korea once ruled by his father and the one ruled by his grandfather before him.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on December 13, 2013, 12:58:11 AM
Since the late 50's purges in North Korea have been secret and only mentioned long after the fact. This kind of public show is unprecedented.
Well, it turns out he's a reformer after all.
The NK statement is hilarious.
http://www.nknews.org/kcna-watch/kcna-article/?0038638e
The specific crime mentioned?
QuoteWhen his cunning move proved futile and the decision that Kim Jong Un was elected vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea at the Third Conference of the WPK in reflection of the unanimous will of all party members, service personnel and people was proclaimed, making all participants break into enthusiastic cheers that shook the conference hall, he behaved so arrogantly and insolently as unwillingly standing up from his seat and half-heartedly clapping, touching off towering resentment of our service personnel and people.
Half-hearted clapping! :hmm:
He looks like his Grandfather, I guess he thinks he has to rule like him too, after all he was far more successful than his son.
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/13/21889289-execution-of-kim-jong-uns-uncle-recalls-grandfathers-lethal-era?lite
QuoteBy Ed Flanagan, Producer, NBC News
News analysis
BEIJING – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's highly scripted execution of his uncle makes one thing abundantly clear: Two years after taking power, the training wheels are now off for the world's youngest head of state. He truly is his grandfather's son.
Kim's uncle by marriage, Jang Song Taek, was executed Thursday for treason, the country's state-run news service said in a dramatic announcement which characterized him as "despicable human scum." He had also been accused of corruption, womanizing, gambling and taking drugs.
Rampant theories began circling immediately, chief among them the speculation that it was the start or end of a power struggle within the hermit kingdom.
Ultimately Jang's extremely public removal was an anachronism – a throwback to the lethal, high-level purges conducted in the 1950s by his grandfather and the nation's founder, Kim Il Sung.
In the years that followed, though, top officials in North Korea soon found themselves privy to an unspoken pact with their leader: Make it to the highest levels of power and while you may be purged for your transgressions, seldom will you be executed.
"Historically North Korea was unique in one regard: It was a Stalinist dictatorship where high-level officials were seldom killed," North Korea expert and Kookmin University professor Dr. Andrei Lankov said Friday. "If you look at the history of North Korea after 1960, you will discover that if you were lucky to belong to the top 100, you were generally secure physically."
"People who were purged would lose their jobs and occasionally their freedom," noted Lankov. "But it was very unusual... that a purged official was killed."
Jang, 67, was seen by many North Korea watchers as a regent of sorts behind the Kim dynasty and the main conduit between the isolated nation and its biggest trade partner and only ally, China. With his death come serious questions – many of which have plausible answers on both sides of the debate.
Does his purging consolidate 30-year-old Kim's power or does it perhaps expose previously unseen cracks? Does Jang's death signal a repudiation of Chinese-style economic reform or perhaps a reinterpretation of such reform under Kim's personal supervision? Will the removal of Jang take a toll on the relationship with China or is there potential for greater stability and cooperation through a strengthened Kim?
On the latter question, China's North Korea experts have been working furiously to come up with consensus. One expert reached by NBC News grudgingly let out that many of his peers had been called in by China's Foreign Ministry Friday morning to decide that very issue.
The result was a tame response from the Foreign Ministry that declared the toppling of Jang as a "domestic issue" and renewed hopes that cooperation and close ties would continue.
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Jang's denouncement this week was not the first time he had been purged: In 2004 he fell from grace before being rehabilitated and brought back to power in 2006. For many, this most recent purge was an inevitable step the younger Kim needed to take to further consolidate his power and ensure that the elder would be sent into relative anonymity again.
But the very public and extreme denunciation of Jang on North Korean state television earlier this week -- and again on Friday morning when his execution was announced -- strongly suggests that Kim Jong Un will not brook any challenge to his authority, even from family.
It also puts North Korean officialdom on notice that the once unspoken pact has been severed.
"If he has to go as high as purging and then executing Jang, it tells you that everything's not normal," Victor Cha, a former senior White House adviser on Asia told The Associated Press.
"When you take out Jang, you're not taking out just one person -- you're taking out scores if not hundreds of other people in the system," he added. "It's got to have some ripple effect."
In the years since he's taken power, Kim has worked hard to cultivate a more approachable persona for his people. Video clips of him enjoying Disney characters dancing, supervising the opening of sports facilities for the people and having his wife escort him to state events as near equals humanized him in ways his father, Kim Jong Il, took pains to avoid.
This brutal, but perfectly Machiavellian move clearly shows he is prepared to continue in the footsteps of the Kim dynasty.
Very annoying. :mad:
Not only was everything 15-20 minutes late this week, there were fewer trains than normal so I had to wait over an hour for a train in Daejeon on Thursday.
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20131213002800315
QuoteRail strike to partially limit train services from next week
2013/12/13 01:36
SEOUL, Dec. 13 (Yonhap) -- Passenger train services will be partially disrupted starting from early next week as an ongoing strike by thousands of unionized rail workers is forecast to be protracted, the state-run rail operator said Friday.
More than 6,500 unionized workers of the state-run Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) walked away from their jobs on Monday in protest against a government decision to set up a subsidiary to run part of its high-speed train services.
The walkout had so far only affected freight and some passenger train services with all bullet trains operating normally.
KORAIL said, however, it will reduce the number of KTX high-speed trains and subway services around the metropolitan area from next week due to safety concerns.
"Reduction of the KTX service is inevitable to prevent accidents as substitute workers and KTX engineers are being exhausted," a KORAIL official said.
Daily KTX services will be reduced by 10-12 percent starting from Tuesday and the operation of the normal-speed Mugunghwa trains will also be affected, KORAIL said.
The number of subway services in Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi Province will also be brought down by an average of 8.4 percent on weekdays, it added.
KORAIL workers have criticized the planned establishment of the affiliate, claiming that it is a first step toward privatizing the state-run company, which they say could result in mass layoffs and fare hikes.
The company has denied the claim, saying the new unit will be 41 percent and 59 percent owned by KORAIL and state-run investors, respectively, and that private firms will never be allowed to buy stakes in it.
The new service will run from Suseo-dong in southern Seoul to the southern provincial city of Busan. After several delays, it is expected to begin operations in 2016.
Break out the emergency evacuation rickshaw.
Can the rail strike be used for shore bombardment?
Must have been a little awkward when the waitress busted out into song out of the blue. :hmm:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25452941
QuoteNorth Korea is one of the world's most hermit-like countries, so it's rare to get a chance to meet people who live there. But the Chinese border town of Dandong is different. There are North Korean businessmen, waitresses and drivers. Some even speak - and sing - in English.
There is a seaside feel to this Chinese border town - its glitter-hard edge softened by the passage of river boats and wedding couples posing for photographs.
The lights strung up along the waterfront remind me of Europe. And there is music floating in from somewhere, the notes blown about in the wind.
Looking over the balustrade, across the narrow stretch of the Yalu River, it is hard to believe that the other bank is North Korea.
It is easy when living in Seoul to think that the notorious Demilitarized Zone is the only kind of border North Korea has.
The first trip inside that 4km-wide (2.5 miles) stretch of no-man's land, with its bristling weapons and twitchy atmosphere, is a shock.
The Friendship Bridge, pictured in front of Dandong
But when it comes to North Korean borders, this one here in China is the biggest surprise of all.
Because the atmosphere here is so, well, different. There is no visible security, no armed guards patrolling the riverbank, no razor wire along the promenade - at least not on the Chinese side.
The other side does not look very inviting - a vista of idle factories and sludge-coloured buildings lowering in the scrubland on the opposite bank which, one Dandong local told me, had barely changed in 40 years.
The only new buildings to appear, he said, were warehouses - built to store all the goods being brought over from China.
But Dandong is North Korea's gateway to the world - a place where the long alliance between the two countries takes physical form. It is also a place to make money.
And, as a result, Dandong is full of North Koreans - party officials, businessmen and government-contracted waitresses.
If I tell you that many of my hotel staff understood only Korean, not Chinese, you will get a sense of how many visitors this city has.
Not everyone in the insular regime is banned from leaving.
I met my first members of Pyongyang's elite at breakfast.
Having studied the hotel room service menu the night before, which included an item described as "North Korea's Characteristic Grim", I was set on the breakfast buffet.
Next to me in the hotel cafe sat three middle-aged men. Their clothes were almost identical, but then so were their hairstyles, and their regulation lapel badges - bearing the portraits of North Korea's leaders. Brand new versions of them, they told me, issued just a few days before.
They told me they were investors, come to China on business. More than that, they would not say.
But this is a gold rush town for North Korean businessmen - and the evidence is lined up at the nearby cargo port.
The yard is full of trucks, dozens of them, covered in the dust of North Korea's roads and stacked with the goods that each side is hungry for - coal and other natural resources coming out of North Korea, construction materials and equipment going in.
On the wall is a timetable, notifying staff of the arrival times of the convoys from across the river.
The Chinese truckers, immersed in a game of chess by the side of the yard, nodded towards the sign: "You had better get out of here before the North Korean drivers arrive, or there will be trouble," they said.
We found them anyway. Even here, North Korea's class privileges stick, and truckers eat in different places to party officials - a string of small canteen-kitchens along a stretch of highway on the outskirts of town.
There, a dozen North Korean drivers packed into the most popular joint. They had already begun drinking and were ordering lavishly - meat, vegetables and other dishes.
They were also surprisingly friendly, at least to begin with. "Yes, I am North Korean," one of them told me, "I am heading back there later today. Where you from?"
My reply - that I was from the UK - did not seem to faze him at all.
I tried again to strike up a longer conversation, but more colleagues had begun to arrive, and suddenly no-one at the table would even make eye contact with me.
I had learned one valuable lesson though - restaurants are a great place to meet North Koreans in Dandong. And so I headed for my third meal of the day - to a hotel chain run by North Korea's own government.
There, we had more luck. Our two waitresses, both in their early twenties, took turns to ask shy questions, and flirt with our local driver. Was I married, they asked? And where on earth had I learned my few words of Korean?
North Korean agents send waitresses over to Dandong for months or years at a time, monitoring their movements and collecting their pay-packets, most of which go to the government.
One of our waitresses told us she had only recently arrived and, as if she was still in a job interview, proudly listed the subjects she had learnt at school - mathematics, chemistry, biology, and "our leader's revolution".
Her English lessons also seemed to be a highlight - mainly, perhaps, because they seem to have consisted of singing English-language songs.
"I will show you," she said. And, standing stiffly behind my chair, proceeded to sing When A Child Is Born.
"A silent wish sails the seven seas, the winds of change whisper in the trees..." Strange lyrics for an insular dictatorship to teach its children.
When she had finished, I asked her whether there was any difference between North Korea and China. "The people's minds are different," she said. "North Koreans function together, Chinese are individuals."
There are some similarities though. No-one apparently can resist the allure of a modern British supermarket.
Tesco has been a presence in Dandong for several years - a remote outpost of brand-name products, catering to affluent Chinese families and, yes, reportedly to visiting North Koreans as well.
The vats of cooking oil and barrels of cut-price chicken feet would not sit comfortably with the teabags and breakfast cereal familiar to Tesco's UK customers, but soap, shampoo and toilet paper were all said to be popular at one time among North Korea's visiting elite.
And with its large Korean-Chinese population, Dandong is a good place to stock up on Korean groceries. But what a change it must be from home.
Walking out on to Dandong's truncated Broken Bridge - a relic of the Korean War - I stand midway above the waters of the Yalu River.
From here, I can hear the music blaring from Dandong's bars and clubs, can see the neon pulsing through the falling dusk, like a mini-Las Vegas perched on the edge of the bank.
And you cannot help but wonder what they think, on the other side, watching it all from the silent, darkening shore.
Many of the hotel staff in American cities only understand Spanish.
Read that the other week. I want to visit!
odd...
http://news.yahoo.com/kim-jong-un-fed-his-uncle-to-120-starving-dogs--report-145303810.html
QuoteKim Jong Un fed his uncle to 120 starving dogs
Forget the hangman's noose, the firing squad or lethal injection: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un executed his uncle and a handful of the man's aides by feeding them to a horde of 120 starving dogs, according to a shocking account.
Jang Song Thaek, the former No. 2 official in the secretive regime, was stripped naked and tossed into a cage along with his five closest aides.
"Then 120 hounds, starved for three days, were allowed to prey on them until they were completely eaten up. This is called 'quan jue', or execution by dogs," according to the Straits Times of Singapore. The daily relied on a description of the execution in a Hong Kong newspaper that serves as the official mouthpiece of China's government.
"The entire process lasted for an hour, with Mr. Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader in North Korea, supervising it along with 300 senior officials," the Straits Times said in a piece published Dec. 24, 2013, but only now getting traction in the United States. Two American national security officials contacted for comment said they had not heard that account, which first appeared in the Wen Wei Po newspaper on Dec. 12, 2013.
While China acts as North Korea's patron, relations between the two have been strained. The United States wants Beijing to take a more active role in pressuring Kim's Stalinist regime in Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. The Straits Times suggested that China's government leaked the account of the December execution to signal its anger at Kim's government.
The United States has labored to get a grip on what kind of leader Kim Jong Un will be, amid worries in Washington that he is more reckless than his father, Kim Jong Il, whom he succeeded as supreme leader in December 2011.
PETA is gonna shut that place down.
Only fair for the dogs.
Quote from: garbon on January 03, 2014, 11:08:50 AM
odd...
http://news.yahoo.com/kim-jong-un-fed-his-uncle-to-120-starving-dogs--report-145303810.html
QuoteKim Jong Un fed his uncle to 120 starving dogs
Forget the hangman's noose, the firing squad or lethal injection: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un executed his uncle and a handful of the man's aides by feeding them to a horde of 120 starving dogs, according to a shocking account.
Jang Song Thaek, the former No. 2 official in the secretive regime, was stripped naked and tossed into a cage along with his five closest aides.
"Then 120 hounds, starved for three days, were allowed to prey on them until they were completely eaten up. This is called 'quan jue', or execution by dogs," according to the Straits Times of Singapore. The daily relied on a description of the execution in a Hong Kong newspaper that serves as the official mouthpiece of China's government.
"The entire process lasted for an hour, with Mr. Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader in North Korea, supervising it along with 300 senior officials," the Straits Times said in a piece published Dec. 24, 2013, but only now getting traction in the United States. Two American national security officials contacted for comment said they had not heard that account, which first appeared in the Wen Wei Po newspaper on Dec. 12, 2013.
While China acts as North Korea's patron, relations between the two have been strained. The United States wants Beijing to take a more active role in pressuring Kim's Stalinist regime in Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. The Straits Times suggested that China's government leaked the account of the December execution to signal its anger at Kim's government.
The United States has labored to get a grip on what kind of leader Kim Jong Un will be, amid worries in Washington that he is more reckless than his father, Kim Jong Il, whom he succeeded as supreme leader in December 2011.
As Voltare remarked on the execution of Admiral Byng: "pour encourager les autres".
Was it too hard for Voltaire to learn English?
Quote from: DGuller on January 03, 2014, 12:00:53 PM
Was it too hard for Voltaire to learn English?
Had it not been for what happened at the Tower of Babel, all the world would have spoken French. :(
-Voltaire, "The Unsophisticated Huron"
"When a dog bites a man, that is not news, because it happens so often. But if a man bites a dog, that is news."
Or maybe not. ;)
The convenience store next to my school must be getting paid kickbacks by the local dental union because they're giving out free cotton candy there.
I don't get the playlists at my local coffee shop. They followed up Linkin Park's Numb with Party Rock by LFMAO. Talk about mood whiplash. :bleeding:
Sounds like my Pandora shuffle.
Random question for Tim...have you picked up Korean yet? and how many years have you been there now?
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-6bLsYu_iDFU%2FT6huETmAIgI%2FAAAAAAAAAH0%2FvbS1rwG7png%2Fs1600%2Fplasticsurgerycanthideforever.jpg&hash=3121e943b5ba670f8c5ba833d930329dea24d8dd)
Quote from: alfred russel on February 04, 2014, 12:12:21 AM
Random question for Tim...have you picked up Korean yet? and how many years have you been there now?
4 years. I've picked up a little. I can read and and know survival phrases.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 04, 2014, 12:30:50 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on February 04, 2014, 12:12:21 AM
Random question for Tim...have you picked up Korean yet? and how many years have you been there now?
4 years. I've picked up a little. I can read and and know survival phrases.
Good to know you've taken advantage of your 4 year immersion in Korea. :P
Quote from: Syt on February 04, 2014, 12:20:15 AM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-6bLsYu_iDFU%2FT6huETmAIgI%2FAAAAAAAAAH0%2FvbS1rwG7png%2Fs1600%2Fplasticsurgerycanthideforever.jpg&hash=3121e943b5ba670f8c5ba833d930329dea24d8dd)
:x There is something supremely repulsive about South Korea's plastic surgery fetish.
If you started out looking like those kids wouldn't you want some help too? I think the broad looks pretty good.
Timmy, 4 years in country and that's all you have is not very good. Pick up a basic grammar and learn how to conjugate. Focus on the verb ha da, since 75% of Korean speech involves it.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 04, 2014, 08:38:21 PM
I think the broad looks pretty good.
She doesn't, once you realize that there is nothing natural about her look, and that her face is copied and pasted on hundreds of women each day.
After realizing that, she still looks pretty good.
Well, it gives me the creeps.
I get totally creeped out by plastic juggs, so I guess I can relate.
Problem with fake tits is they usually overdo it.
I like boobies. :(
Never touched plastic ones to really give fair comment. Looks wise the're mostly fine
Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 04, 2014, 08:38:21 PM
If you started out looking like those kids wouldn't you want some help too? I think the broad looks pretty good.
Pretty sure that's a hack photoshop job on the kids' faces there.
its a famous enough picture....someone has probably written about it somewhere.