31 July 2010
Due to technical difficulties, the
Due to technical difficulties, the Blogathon has been postponed until next weekend.
30 July 2010
More Asianness!
Jay Chou is an Americanized Chinese singer. He starred in the Americanized film "Curse of the Golden Flower," which just so happens to feature one of my favorite actresses, Gong Li (I think she's absolutely gorgeous). Gong Li also starred in "Memoirs of a Geisha," but she doesn't speak English, so she memorized her lines by rote (impressive, considering the emotion in her lines). But, I digress. This is one of my favorite Jay Chou music videos.
And this one is just plain awkward.
And this one is just plain awkward.
Sad, But True
Gen. George S. Patton once said "No good decision was ever made from the seat of a swivel chair." Being that I work for the federal government, I have a phrase that I repeat quite frequently, this is not because of the alignment of the planets or the fact that when I sweat profusely my under britches ride up my butt crack; though I do frequently utter something about that, just a different one. For whatever reason the people that get paid the most for their alleged intelligence, do just the opposite, for example instead of cutting the size of our military, why don't we increase the number of troops, so that we have fresh people, and more people with a regular source of income. But that would make sense which is self defeating in the federal government. That is my quote.
So to tie this in to a much larger scale the fact that today Arizona's controversial law was to start being enforced today, but it wasn't. Because the federal government said that they couldn't enforce the most controversial parts. That being if someone was pulled over or caught jay walking, even questioned about an indecent exposure incident because nobody believed that I had the words "Your Name" tattooed on my posterior; they could ask to see proof of citizenship. This heinous atrocity must never happen! Why not? They already ask for I.D. and vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. How is proving that you are supposed to be hear that difficult? But this would make sense.
The supposed logic behind all of this was that they were trying to enforce federal law. Hmmm, local cops can arrest me for federal weapons charges, and tax evasion if they catch me at a still. Wow, I was always under the impression that any law enforcement agency could arrest me for any law breaking as long as it was, and they are in their jurisdiction. But that's just me, and what do I know?
Now I'm always told that if I see a problem I should also have a suggestion. If I was Jan Brewer I would have the law enforced anyway. What are they going to do declare marshal law. Oh please! Stop! My sides hurt at the thought of Obama having the intestinal fortitude. What are they going to do if they said since you aren't doing your job we will continue to cover for your sorry butt? They wouldn't do anything. The fact that they have to do this in the first place is very sad. But once again the tenth amendment permits Arizona to do so, this is not just the nations problem, but I think a little more Arizona's problem than say, Massachusetts. Just a thought. What is to stop a state from making a federal law stricter in that state? If this makes sense to you, either one of your personalities is a lot like the voices in my head, or B., you make less money than those that are supposed to be smart enough to see common sense for what it is. With that said, I think its time for me to call it quits and take my blood pressure medication, and read more terrorist transcripts on the newest and coolest in the firearms world while driving my roommate nuts blasting Ted Nugent in between Pavoratti and Dvork.
So to tie this in to a much larger scale the fact that today Arizona's controversial law was to start being enforced today, but it wasn't. Because the federal government said that they couldn't enforce the most controversial parts. That being if someone was pulled over or caught jay walking, even questioned about an indecent exposure incident because nobody believed that I had the words "Your Name" tattooed on my posterior; they could ask to see proof of citizenship. This heinous atrocity must never happen! Why not? They already ask for I.D. and vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. How is proving that you are supposed to be hear that difficult? But this would make sense.
The supposed logic behind all of this was that they were trying to enforce federal law. Hmmm, local cops can arrest me for federal weapons charges, and tax evasion if they catch me at a still. Wow, I was always under the impression that any law enforcement agency could arrest me for any law breaking as long as it was, and they are in their jurisdiction. But that's just me, and what do I know?
Now I'm always told that if I see a problem I should also have a suggestion. If I was Jan Brewer I would have the law enforced anyway. What are they going to do declare marshal law. Oh please! Stop! My sides hurt at the thought of Obama having the intestinal fortitude. What are they going to do if they said since you aren't doing your job we will continue to cover for your sorry butt? They wouldn't do anything. The fact that they have to do this in the first place is very sad. But once again the tenth amendment permits Arizona to do so, this is not just the nations problem, but I think a little more Arizona's problem than say, Massachusetts. Just a thought. What is to stop a state from making a federal law stricter in that state? If this makes sense to you, either one of your personalities is a lot like the voices in my head, or B., you make less money than those that are supposed to be smart enough to see common sense for what it is. With that said, I think its time for me to call it quits and take my blood pressure medication, and read more terrorist transcripts on the newest and coolest in the firearms world while driving my roommate nuts blasting Ted Nugent in between Pavoratti and Dvork.
Minorities
There are so many African-Americans and Latinos on base that I started anxiously searching for Caucasians. Insane, since I'm Asian.
Profiling
Earlier this week, The Sergeant needed to stop by the classroom before his lunch break ended, and when we entered the room, two other soldiers were already inside. Later, The Sergeant informed me that one of them, Sergeant Ostrich (not his real name . . . obviously) had invited us to dinner at a nearby Mexican restaurant. The Sergeant told Sergeant Ostrich that he wasn't sure if I would eat Mexican, to which Sergeant Ostrich replied that he didn't think I looked like someone who would eat Mexican food (in Sergeant Ostrich's defense, he did preface that statement by saying that he meant no offense). Well. I immediately told The Sergeant that we would be happy to accept his invitation, and so we will be having dinner Sunday evening.
I've never had Mexican food.
I've never had Mexican food.
Have You Honored a Wounded Warrior?
We are currently over 20% to the goal of $250. If you've not already donated, support a wounded warrior and ensure that this generation's wounded warriors is the most successful and well-transitioned by donating at WWP Proud Supporter.
10 Things I Like About You
About six years ago, my Pastor's wife invited the young teen girls from our church on a girls' night out. We spent the night in a nearby hotel, fellowshipping and bonding. One of the events of the night was to create a list of ten qualities we wanted in our future husbands. We dubbed the lists "Ten Things I Like About You," and gave them to our parents to keep until later and review. Since then, I've reviewed and revised mine, but only one has changed. I've also added two "optional" (read: two requirements that aren't required only because it would throw of the title of the list) traits. This is my list, as mentioned in my Bucket List.
Christian
- He must have a personal relationship with Christ. We should be on similar levels spiritually and able to challenge each other to grow. Bonus points if he's Pentecostal.
Supportive
- He must be supportive of my ambitions. Bonus points if he's willing to travel the world.
Intelligent
- His intelligence should be comparable to mine. Bonus points if he's got street smarts, since my common sense only occasionally jumps out of the negatives and into the positive percentile.
Understanding
- He must understand and accept who I am, my needs and wants. I do not believe in changing for others, and I would never ask him to change for me. Love is unconditional.
Conservative
- He must share my beliefs and values. I am unwavering in my support of the first amendment, second amendment and support of the military. I also believe that authority can and should be challenged from time to time.
Respectful
- He must respect me, himself and others, regardless of whether they are above, beneath or on his level.
Ambitious
- He must be able to support me (though I will be more than capable of supporting myself); he must have a drive to accomplish and succeed.
Devoted
- He must be loyal to me, as I will be loyal only to him.
Trusting
- He must trust me, and I him.
Strong
- He must be physically strong so that I feel protected. Physical strength is not based solely upon hand-to-hand combat skills. Proper sight alignment and trigger control are also viable criteria, though preferably at a ranger greater than mine.
*Fatherly
- He should be good with children and want his own.
*Humorous
- He should be able to make me laugh.
The last two are optional, but not. :]
Christian
- He must have a personal relationship with Christ. We should be on similar levels spiritually and able to challenge each other to grow. Bonus points if he's Pentecostal.
Supportive
- He must be supportive of my ambitions. Bonus points if he's willing to travel the world.
Intelligent
- His intelligence should be comparable to mine. Bonus points if he's got street smarts, since my common sense only occasionally jumps out of the negatives and into the positive percentile.
Understanding
- He must understand and accept who I am, my needs and wants. I do not believe in changing for others, and I would never ask him to change for me. Love is unconditional.
Conservative
- He must share my beliefs and values. I am unwavering in my support of the first amendment, second amendment and support of the military. I also believe that authority can and should be challenged from time to time.
Respectful
- He must respect me, himself and others, regardless of whether they are above, beneath or on his level.
Ambitious
- He must be able to support me (though I will be more than capable of supporting myself); he must have a drive to accomplish and succeed.
Devoted
- He must be loyal to me, as I will be loyal only to him.
Trusting
- He must trust me, and I him.
Strong
- He must be physically strong so that I feel protected. Physical strength is not based solely upon hand-to-hand combat skills. Proper sight alignment and trigger control are also viable criteria, though preferably at a ranger greater than mine.
*Fatherly
- He should be good with children and want his own.
*Humorous
- He should be able to make me laugh.
The last two are optional, but not. :]
Bucket List
A bucket list is a list of things you'd like to accomplish before, well, kicking the bucket. This is mine.
celebrate independence day in washington, d.c.
be kissed under fireworks.
visit washington, d.c. during the cherry blossom festival (with a significant other).
dance in the piazza san marco on a moonlit night.
eat duck tongue in wenzhou.
see the pyramids in egypt.
spend a day daydreaming on the battlefields at gettysburg.
have a picnic in a meadow.
visit williamsburg. <-- To be completed this evening!
finish at least one of my never-ending novels.
marry a God-fearing man (whom i love and meets the 10 things i like about you).
subsequently terrorize the world with kidlets.
go skydiving. maybe.
expand L2.
earn at least an MA in either political science, history, journalism or middle-eastern studies.
search for my biological parents.
learn to swing dance.
earn at least my third degree black belt in tae kwon do.
learn how to drive manual.
learn how to unassemble and reassemble an ar-15. preferably mine.
celebrate independence day in washington, d.c.
visit washington, d.c. during the cherry blossom festival (with a significant other).
dance in the piazza san marco on a moonlit night.
eat duck tongue in wenzhou.
see the pyramids in egypt.
spend a day daydreaming on the battlefields at gettysburg.
have a picnic in a meadow.
visit williamsburg. <-- To be completed this evening!
finish at least one of my never-ending novels.
marry a God-fearing man (whom i love and meets the 10 things i like about you).
subsequently terrorize the world with kidlets.
go skydiving. maybe.
earn at least an MA in either political science, history, journalism or middle-eastern studies.
search for my biological parents.
learn to swing dance.
earn at least my third degree black belt in tae kwon do.
learn how to drive manual.
learn how to unassemble and reassemble an ar-15. preferably mine.
In My Opinion - Professional Sports
The other day, I was doing work in the cafeteria. It was around lunch time, and a middle-aged woman sat down in front of the television nearest to me. She changed the channel to a soap opera, which I endured for an hour, before her lunch was over and she went back to work. A few moments later, a man sat down nearby, and I waited until the woman left before I stood up to change the channel. Unable to find Fox News after about three minutes of searching, I settled for CNN another news channel. No sooner had I sat down than another man walked over, changed the channel to ESPN, and sat down with the first man. Enraptured, they stared at the cathode ray tubes while I packed up my stuff and passed three other televisions, two of which were broadcasting ESPN, on my way out of the cafeteria.
Professional sports are both a horrid waste of time and an ingenious distraction. Ignorant people who can't be bothered with important issues, such as politics, become caught up in a world of which they will never be a part. They wear the jerseys of their favorite athletes (which I never understood -- why are you wearing that jersey if it's not your name and you're not related?), they get angry when "their" teams lose. But, when people are so involved in something as inconsequential as sports, people of that mindset are obviously not as wholeheartedly involved in other affairs of the world (which is a good thing). Professional sports irk me. And yet, when I see the people who are so devoted to them, typically it makes me happy inside that these usually aren't the people forming the world's policies.
Professional sports are both a horrid waste of time and an ingenious distraction. Ignorant people who can't be bothered with important issues, such as politics, become caught up in a world of which they will never be a part. They wear the jerseys of their favorite athletes (which I never understood -- why are you wearing that jersey if it's not your name and you're not related?), they get angry when "their" teams lose. But, when people are so involved in something as inconsequential as sports, people of that mindset are obviously not as wholeheartedly involved in other affairs of the world (which is a good thing). Professional sports irk me. And yet, when I see the people who are so devoted to them, typically it makes me happy inside that these usually aren't the people forming the world's policies.
Mochi
Mochi is one of my favorite Japanese snacks. Mochi is made of glutinous rice and traditionally served around New Year's. The Sergeant and I currently have three boxes of daifuku (mochi stuffed with filling) -- red bean, taro and green tea.
Aeri's Kitchen
Want even more Asianness? Yes, I just made up that word. Check out Aeri's Kitchen. Aeri has a ton of Korean recipes (complete with Youtube how-to videos and yummy photos!). According to my Facebook stalking, she and The Sergeant plan to exchange recipes.
Black Sesame Sweet Soup
Apparently, I'm on an Asian kick this year, so I'm just going to roll with it.
During my freshman year of college, I met a Chinese ESL student whom I befriended. During my first visit to her dorm, she offered me a bowl (actually, it was a Glad plastic storage container) of some sort of sweet, grey soup (or something to that effect). It had the consistency of sludgy water, but I thought it tasted good. I forgot to ask her what it was called, and it wasn't until recently that I found something similar in an Asian grocery store. After mixing up a cup, I realized that it was the exact same thing. And that if you don't add cold water before adding hot water, it congeals and looks likes sludgy water. I like to make the soup thicker, anyway, so it has a consistency more along the lines of thin mud. Yum.
During my freshman year of college, I met a Chinese ESL student whom I befriended. During my first visit to her dorm, she offered me a bowl (actually, it was a Glad plastic storage container) of some sort of sweet, grey soup (or something to that effect). It had the consistency of sludgy water, but I thought it tasted good. I forgot to ask her what it was called, and it wasn't until recently that I found something similar in an Asian grocery store. After mixing up a cup, I realized that it was the exact same thing. And that if you don't add cold water before adding hot water, it congeals and looks likes sludgy water. I like to make the soup thicker, anyway, so it has a consistency more along the lines of thin mud. Yum.
The soup is Vietnamese, but it's also popular in China for supposedly keeping grey hair at bay (something to do with the fact that it's good for the blood and liver). It's also good for the kidneys, so the packaging claims. I have the instant version, but it can also be made by soaking rice in water for an hour, then grinding it in a blender with toasted black sesame seeds and later boiling it with some water and sugar.
Koreans & Church
While I was waiting for The Sergeant, a Korean hairdresser walked out into the waiting room (presumably to see how many people were waiting to be serviced). She glanced at me, did a double take, nonchalantly meandered to the seat in front of me, picked up the newspaper, and asked, "Are you Korean?" The rest of the conversation went as follows:
Eun: Yes, I am Korean.
Eun: Yes, I am Korean.
Kim: Ah, ahnyounghasaeyo.
Eun: Ahnyounghasaeyo. I don't speak Korean, I was adopted.
Kim: Ah, you were adopted?
Eun: Yes.
Kim: You very pretty.
Eun: Thank you.
Kim: I saw you, you so pretty, I did not know if you were Korean or not.
Eun: Are Koreans ugly or something? Yes, I'm Korean, and thank you.
Kim: You go to church?
Eun: Yes.
Kim: That's good. Where you go?
Eun: I attend church in Pennsylvania; I'm from Pennsylvania.
Kim: Ah, Pennsylvania? You should come to my church.
Eun: I bet it's a Korean church. Where do you go to church?
Kim: It's not far. How long you here?
Eun: Only until next week. I'm with him *gestures to nondescript area on the other side of the wall.*
Kim: When he leave?
Kim: When he leave?
Eun: Next week.
Kim: Next week?
Eun: Yes.
[The Sergeant finally enters the waiting room.]
Kim: You should come to church. They have translators. Hold on. *disappears into barber shop*
Eun: First, "Are you Korean?" Then, "You go to church?" They're all the same, and they think I'm one of them! We need a huge picture of Jesus.
Kim: *presents pamphlet and continues to give us directions to the Korean church* I hope to see you soon!
The end.
Bibimbap
The Sergeant and I have begun frequenting a local Korean restaurant. Bibimbap is by far my most favorite Korean dish, so obviously it's the only thing I've ordered from the menu.
USAA Military Group Card
Support the Wounded Warrior Project with your credit card. The USAA Military Group Card makes a contribution to the WWP with every active account. Just make sure you're responsible enough to have a credit card, because those credit relief commercials on television disgust me, and if I find out that one of my acquaintances has or is using one of those programs, I'll shun you for life. True story.
Mobile - Haircuts
The Sergeant is getting a haircut. I wish I could have my hair cut for less than $10.
Mobile - Lunch
The Sergeant is on lunch break until 2:30pm. At Panera some random, middle-aged man asked The Sergeant his age and if he could kill his daughter. Southerners.
U.S. Army Ranks
Eun: I was reading in the caf when 20 or 30 soldiers came in, and even though the rest of the caf was empty, they just had to sit where I was sitting and be loud. They filled up all of the tables along the wall and then sat down on the couch on either side of me. One of them was using the f-word.
The Sergeant: What rank were they?
Eun: I don't know, I didn't look.
TS: We need to teach you how to identify ranks.
Honor the Fallen - July
According to Honor the Fallen at Military Times, these are the following men who gave their lives for our freedoms this month:
Army Pfc. Ryan J. Grady, 25
Marine Cpl. Larry D. Harris, Jr., 24
Army Sgt. Jordan E. Tuttle, 22
Army Pfc. David A. Jefferson, 23
Air Force Capt. David A. Wisniewski, 31
Army Spc. Morganne M. McBeth, 19
Army Sgt. Johnny W. Lumpkin, 38
Army Pfc. Jacob A. Dennis, 22
Army Spc. Clayton D. McGarrah, 20
Army Sgt. Andrew J. Creighton, 23
Army Pfc. Edwin C. Wood, 18
Army SSG Christopher F. Cabacoy, 30
Army Spc. Louis R. Fastuca, 24
Army Spc. Keenan A. Cooper, 19
Army Spc. Jerod H. Osborne, 20
Army Spc. Roger Lee, 26
Army Pfc. Michael S. Pridham, 19
Army Pfc. Anthony W. Simmons, 25
Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel G. Raney, 21
Army Spc. Robert W. Crow, 42
Army Spc. Joseph W. Dimock II, 21
Army Sgt. Donald R. Edgerton, 33
Army SSG Jesse W. Ainsworth, 24
Army Sgt. Shaun M. Mittler, 32
Army Spc. Carlos J. Negron, 40
Marine Lance Cpl. Tyler A. Roads, 20
Marine SSG Christopher J. Antonik, 29
Army Pfc. Nathaniel D. Garvin, 20
Army Spc. Christopher J. Moon, 20
Army 1st Lt. Christopher S. Goeke, 23
Army SSG Christopher T. Stout, 34
Army SSG Sheldon L. Tate, 27
Army Pvt. Brandon M. King, 23
Army Spc. Chase Stanley, 21
Army Spc. Matthew J. Johnson, 21
Army Spc. Jesse D. Reed, 26
Army Sgt. Zachary M. Fisher, 24
Army SSG Leston M. Winters, 30
Army SFC John H. Jarrell, 32
Marine Cpl. Dave M. Santos, 21
Marine SSG Justus S. Bartelt, 27
Army Sgt. Jesse R. Tilton, 23
Army Sgt. Matthew W. Weikert, 29
Army Sgt. Justin B. Allen, 23
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Christopher L. Eastman, 28
Marine Cpl. Joe L. Wrightsman, 23
Army 1st Lt. Robert N. Bennedsen, 25
Army Sgt. Anibal Santiago, 37
Army SSG Brian F. Piercy, 27
Marine Cpl. Paul J. Miller, 22
Marine Cpl. Julio Vargas, 23
Army 1st Lt. Michael L. Runyan
Marine Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo, 41
Marine Maj. James M. Weis (according to Military Times, his age was 371. . . .)
Army Pfc. James J. Oquin
Army SSG Conrad A. Mora, 24
Army Spc. Joseph A. Bauer, 27
Army Sgt. Daniel Lim, 23
I list only names, ranks and ages because I've learned that the rest of the information is frequently unreliable (mainly the cause of death and location).
Army Pfc. Ryan J. Grady, 25
Marine Cpl. Larry D. Harris, Jr., 24
Army Sgt. Jordan E. Tuttle, 22
Army Pfc. David A. Jefferson, 23
Air Force Capt. David A. Wisniewski, 31
Army Spc. Morganne M. McBeth, 19
Army Sgt. Johnny W. Lumpkin, 38
Army Pfc. Jacob A. Dennis, 22
Army Spc. Clayton D. McGarrah, 20
Army Sgt. Andrew J. Creighton, 23
Army Pfc. Edwin C. Wood, 18
Army SSG Christopher F. Cabacoy, 30
Army Spc. Louis R. Fastuca, 24
Army Spc. Keenan A. Cooper, 19
Army Spc. Jerod H. Osborne, 20
Army Spc. Roger Lee, 26
Army Pfc. Michael S. Pridham, 19
Army Pfc. Anthony W. Simmons, 25
Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel G. Raney, 21
Army Spc. Robert W. Crow, 42
Army Spc. Joseph W. Dimock II, 21
Army Sgt. Donald R. Edgerton, 33
Army SSG Jesse W. Ainsworth, 24
Army Sgt. Shaun M. Mittler, 32
Army Spc. Carlos J. Negron, 40
Marine Lance Cpl. Tyler A. Roads, 20
Marine SSG Christopher J. Antonik, 29
Army Pfc. Nathaniel D. Garvin, 20
Army Spc. Christopher J. Moon, 20
Army 1st Lt. Christopher S. Goeke, 23
Army SSG Christopher T. Stout, 34
Army SSG Sheldon L. Tate, 27
Army Pvt. Brandon M. King, 23
Army Spc. Chase Stanley, 21
Army Spc. Matthew J. Johnson, 21
Army Spc. Jesse D. Reed, 26
Army Sgt. Zachary M. Fisher, 24
Army SSG Leston M. Winters, 30
Army SFC John H. Jarrell, 32
Marine Cpl. Dave M. Santos, 21
Marine SSG Justus S. Bartelt, 27
Army Sgt. Jesse R. Tilton, 23
Army Sgt. Matthew W. Weikert, 29
Army Sgt. Justin B. Allen, 23
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Christopher L. Eastman, 28
Marine Cpl. Joe L. Wrightsman, 23
Army 1st Lt. Robert N. Bennedsen, 25
Army Sgt. Anibal Santiago, 37
Army SSG Brian F. Piercy, 27
Marine Cpl. Paul J. Miller, 22
Marine Cpl. Julio Vargas, 23
Army 1st Lt. Michael L. Runyan
Marine Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo, 41
Marine Maj. James M. Weis (according to Military Times, his age was 371. . . .)
Army Pfc. James J. Oquin
Army SSG Conrad A. Mora, 24
Army Spc. Joseph A. Bauer, 27
Army Sgt. Daniel Lim, 23
I list only names, ranks and ages because I've learned that the rest of the information is frequently unreliable (mainly the cause of death and location).
A Funny Story (Not Really)
A few evenings ago, I whacked my head off of the corner of the bedside table. Impossible, you say? Remember, this is the same woman who, in the darkness, in her own home, walked straight into the wall instead of the doorway. I ended up with an absolutely ginormous and incredibly painful lump right at my hairline on the left side of my forehead. It even bled a little. It looked pretty epic then, but now it's just a small bump with a scab. The end.
Also, future blog entries may be posted via mobile phone due to the cleaning staff and the fact that I'm chained to the desk because I have to use an ethernet cable. And I thought my college was the last place to acquire wireless Internet access.
Also, future blog entries may be posted via mobile phone due to the cleaning staff and the fact that I'm chained to the desk because I have to use an ethernet cable. And I thought my college was the last place to acquire wireless Internet access.
Wounded Warrior Project
Have you donated to the Wounded Warrior Project yet? Honor and support a wounded warrior at WWP Proud Supporter.
Current: $55
Goal: $250
Asian Invasion
Another unusual (to me) aspect of military life is the high population of Asians, namely, Koreans. Apparently, soldiers stationed overseas marry Korean women, return to the States, and find themselves divorced after their Korean wives join the Korean clique and never bother to learn American customs. I first found out about this while at a local base in Pennsylvania. I was shopping in AAFES, sporting an Army jacket and carrying my purchases in a bag that clearly stated "AAFES" across the front. A soldier turned, saw me, and asked if I worked there. Wondering if this was really an example of the world's finest, I told him I didn't. I was later informed that a lot of Asians work at AAFES. It's now a running joke that I want to be a manager of AAFES some day. But, I digress. Less than a mile from base is a Korean dry cleaner, barber, store and restaurant. On base, I saw at least one Korean woman working in the hairdressing salon. One might think that I could actually pass for being a legit Korean in this environment. Not really.
For years, Korea has struggled with homogeneity. Read this article by the NYT if you don't believe me. Marrying outside the race is unpatriotic (but, having grown up in America, I obviously don't have that issue). Also, you don't have to have a Korean mother to have a Korean mother (which I've learned since patronizing the local Korean restaurant). Combine those two facts with the fact that I tend to glare when I'm infuriated. Actually, it's not just a glare -- my dad has dubbed it the Korean Death Ray. And I recently learned that I am not the only one capable of delivering such a look. Every Korean is born with such a capability. So. Combine the racism, the ajumas (older Korean women/mothers) and the Korean Death Ray, and then throw a Korean-American walking with a +6' Caucasian into the mix. It can get a bit dodgy.
For example, yesterday I was in AAFES with The Sergeant. We were preparing to leave when I spotted an ajuma (typically identifiable by their tight perms, use of pastels and socks with sandals). As she neared, I glanced up at her and noticed that her eyes were slowly roving from The Sergeant to me, and back again with the most miserable frown and KDR I've seen in a long time. Since The Sergeant has taken the liberty of telling me that the Asians stare at us quite frequently, I decided that I had had enough. Mustering my own KDR, the ajuma and I had a stare down as we approached. I'd like to add that I totally won -- she looked away at the last moment. That's right. Fasian = 1. Ajuma = 0.
For years, Korea has struggled with homogeneity. Read this article by the NYT if you don't believe me. Marrying outside the race is unpatriotic (but, having grown up in America, I obviously don't have that issue). Also, you don't have to have a Korean mother to have a Korean mother (which I've learned since patronizing the local Korean restaurant). Combine those two facts with the fact that I tend to glare when I'm infuriated. Actually, it's not just a glare -- my dad has dubbed it the Korean Death Ray. And I recently learned that I am not the only one capable of delivering such a look. Every Korean is born with such a capability. So. Combine the racism, the ajumas (older Korean women/mothers) and the Korean Death Ray, and then throw a Korean-American walking with a +6' Caucasian into the mix. It can get a bit dodgy.
For example, yesterday I was in AAFES with The Sergeant. We were preparing to leave when I spotted an ajuma (typically identifiable by their tight perms, use of pastels and socks with sandals). As she neared, I glanced up at her and noticed that her eyes were slowly roving from The Sergeant to me, and back again with the most miserable frown and KDR I've seen in a long time. Since The Sergeant has taken the liberty of telling me that the Asians stare at us quite frequently, I decided that I had had enough. Mustering my own KDR, the ajuma and I had a stare down as we approached. I'd like to add that I totally won -- she looked away at the last moment. That's right. Fasian = 1. Ajuma = 0.
Blogathon 2010 - Troop Xing & the Call to Prayer
It seems fitting that Blogathon 2010, in honor of the Wounded Warrior Project, would begin at a military installation. In the span of a week, it has become nothing out of the ordinary for me to see men and women in uniform. Granted, that should be an obvious one, given my location, but having grown up in a rural area, the only military personnel I ever see are recruiters and reservists. Now, suddenly, I'm becoming accustomed to such things as "Troop Xing" signs and music at 6:15 in the morning, that sounds across the base. It's sort of like the call to prayer. But not really.
17 July 2010
"I Can't Suck It Up With a Straw."
I understand that the spill may have finally been stopped, but that doesn't change the fact that it went unstopped for three months. That doesn't change the fact that the livelihoods of those living along the Gulf Coast have been forever changed.
"As the end of a critical 48-hour testing window to monitor the success of BP's capped oil well approaches, a company executive now says tests could last beyond the original deadline of 48 hours, and that pressure is slowly rising. . . .
Saturday afternoon will mark two full days since BP stopped the oil from leaking into the Gulf . . . at that point if engineers don't offer more definitive evidence that the cap is working, testing may continue. At any time before then, they could also reopen the cap and allow some oil to spill into the sea again. . . ." (FNC)
15 July 2010
Blogathon 2010
I will again be participating in the Blogathon; however, the official organizers cancelled the event for some unknown reason. So, I am going to continue on my own -- I've set the event for 9am EST 30 JUL - 9am EST 31 JUL. Throughout the blogathon, I will post a blog every 30 min. for the entire 24 hrs. I'm sponsoring the Wounded Warrior Project, whose purpose is "to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members." This year, I hope to raise $250 (donors raised $116 for IAVA last year, and I hope to more than double that amount this year).
Donations may be made by texting WWP to 90999 or by visiting WWP Proud Supporter.
Donations may be made by texting WWP to 90999 or by visiting WWP Proud Supporter.
Necessary Redundancy
Have you at any point in time done something that you weren't required to do, because its an other's job, but if you didn't do this vital task would never be completed? This happens to me on a regular basis, maybe its just my good nature or the fact that until somebody gets a booboo, I've got nothing better to do. Regardless of who is supposed to do it, there are things that must get done, you know clean the guns, change the diaper, and milk the pigs. By now you probably know where I'm going with this, Arizona.
S.B. 1070 in short means that state law enforcement personnel, that while doing their job can ask for identification to prove that you are here legally. This is wrong because? If the federal government won't do there job who will? The federal governments reasoning has me rather confused in their logic so I'll let them speak for themselves: "Enforcement of S.B. 1070 will disrupt the constitutional order by undermining the federal government's control over the regulation of immigration and immigration policy. ... Moreover, S.B. 1070 will result in the harassment of lawfully present aliens and even U.S. citizens. Implementation of the law will damage the United States' ability to speak with a single and authoritative voice to foreign governments on immigration matters and is already having negative effects on long-standing and vital international relationships."
For starters the federal governments "control" over immigration is a lot like using a broom to control the ocean. So undermining it is a load of hogwash, Arizona is merely enforcing laws that they won't. As for harassing legal people, how is asking for I.D. harassment? Who are we telling how to protect their borders? Everyone else uses guns, and they won't hesitate to shoot you for trying to get in illegally. What vital international relationship are we jeopardizing by implementing this law, which enforces laws that were written over 200 years ago? The answer is Mexico. Yes Mexico, essentially the whole reason for the law in the first place.
Now, what makes them vital to us? Cheap labor? Mexico hasn't done anything for us to make them worthwhile and our relationship with them doesn't benefit us beyond being a source of cheap tequila and drugs. Mexico is dead set against this law. Why? I can only guess. The Mexican government passes out pamphlets on how to sneak across. How is this beneficial to them that they encourage it? This is an easy fix. We go down and put them in their place and tell them to stay home. Then we actually secure our border.
"States like Arizona should not have to act on their own, but Washington's decades of neglect for border security leave them no choice," Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-Ga.) stated in a press release Tuesday.
Notice of course who said that, and what party he belongs to. The reasoning that the Republicans support this legislation and the liberals don't is because of the votes. Minorities traditionally vote for the left. So they are just going to stand by, and let a cancer eat us until we are dead just so they can keep their job. Thanks. Your moral bankruptcy and personal endeavors has cost us all.
S.B. 1070 in short means that state law enforcement personnel, that while doing their job can ask for identification to prove that you are here legally. This is wrong because? If the federal government won't do there job who will? The federal governments reasoning has me rather confused in their logic so I'll let them speak for themselves: "Enforcement of S.B. 1070 will disrupt the constitutional order by undermining the federal government's control over the regulation of immigration and immigration policy. ... Moreover, S.B. 1070 will result in the harassment of lawfully present aliens and even U.S. citizens. Implementation of the law will damage the United States' ability to speak with a single and authoritative voice to foreign governments on immigration matters and is already having negative effects on long-standing and vital international relationships."
For starters the federal governments "control" over immigration is a lot like using a broom to control the ocean. So undermining it is a load of hogwash, Arizona is merely enforcing laws that they won't. As for harassing legal people, how is asking for I.D. harassment? Who are we telling how to protect their borders? Everyone else uses guns, and they won't hesitate to shoot you for trying to get in illegally. What vital international relationship are we jeopardizing by implementing this law, which enforces laws that were written over 200 years ago? The answer is Mexico. Yes Mexico, essentially the whole reason for the law in the first place.
Now, what makes them vital to us? Cheap labor? Mexico hasn't done anything for us to make them worthwhile and our relationship with them doesn't benefit us beyond being a source of cheap tequila and drugs. Mexico is dead set against this law. Why? I can only guess. The Mexican government passes out pamphlets on how to sneak across. How is this beneficial to them that they encourage it? This is an easy fix. We go down and put them in their place and tell them to stay home. Then we actually secure our border.
"States like Arizona should not have to act on their own, but Washington's decades of neglect for border security leave them no choice," Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-Ga.) stated in a press release Tuesday.
Notice of course who said that, and what party he belongs to. The reasoning that the Republicans support this legislation and the liberals don't is because of the votes. Minorities traditionally vote for the left. So they are just going to stand by, and let a cancer eat us until we are dead just so they can keep their job. Thanks. Your moral bankruptcy and personal endeavors has cost us all.
14 July 2010
Support a Warrior!
Text WWP to 90999 to donate $5 to support a wounded warrior!
Or, visit WWP Proud Supporter to honor a wounded warrior.
Or, visit WWP Proud Supporter to honor a wounded warrior.
13 July 2010
NAACP & Tea Party
NAACP Poised to Vote on Resolution Calling Tea Party "Racist"
Seriously? Considering the fact that I consider myself a member of the Tea Party, I would hardly consider it racist. And about pushing "'the country back to the pre-civil rights era?'" Try being yellow and figuring out whether you should go into the white restroom or the colored one!
In all seriousness, no sound incidents in the article portrayed the Tea Party as being racist. The only incident was "alleged" with no evidence found. In my experiences with tea partiers, they have all been courteous and no one has ever discriminated against me due to my skin color or other apparent ethnic features.
In other news, 60% of Americans are losing faith in Obama.
Seriously? Considering the fact that I consider myself a member of the Tea Party, I would hardly consider it racist. And about pushing "'the country back to the pre-civil rights era?'" Try being yellow and figuring out whether you should go into the white restroom or the colored one!
In all seriousness, no sound incidents in the article portrayed the Tea Party as being racist. The only incident was "alleged" with no evidence found. In my experiences with tea partiers, they have all been courteous and no one has ever discriminated against me due to my skin color or other apparent ethnic features.
In other news, 60% of Americans are losing faith in Obama.
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