The last couple days have calmed down and stayed pretty uninteresting. I woke up ass early in the morning to say goodnight to E and my IM friends, then took a few mile stroll through a sleeping Anyang. President Kim has ordered lunch into the office, since I might guess we were cutting into his work time a lot. That bothers me, but I don’t see what I can do about it. Then dinner ordered in Wednesday, and dinner out Thursday.
( Read more... )

As Pres. Kim dropped us off at the hotel he said since tomorrow is my last day here Tony and I should go on another Seoul exploration trip. In the morning he would send Mr. Yuh to drive us to ??? to shop and see the world. Although Tony will try to rush me, I’m going to be more insistent on shopping. Until then, good night.

After all that last night brought to my Korea experience, I feel pretty well today. I’ve been waking up at 5am for no reason most mornings, and sitting online talking to E and friends who are on at 3pm the “previous” afternoon. Then getting out and taking a walk around Anyang, grabbing donut and coffee before work. Today again I woke up at 5, and went back to bed after some water. Woke up again at 8, and had hours to kill, so I took my walk. Since the mountain hike my calves are sore, but after a mile or so they don’t hurt anymore. No place is open for shopping or anything, even at 10. So I walked and people watched.
At lunch, President Kim took us to one of the super department stores. We parked down down in a basement parking lot, and went up to the eighth floor where the fine restaurants are. His wife met us there, and we had Japanese fried pork, which is almost just like a German schnitzel. Then he left us with Mrs. Kim to go back to work, and we were stranded buzzing around the mall with her, shopping. Mrs. Kim loves to shop, I learned.  We had to stop at every floor. Each floor is its own department. There’s a strange thing to note here. Every three to five meters or so there’s a store employee there to sell you on whatever they’re standing around. Show any interest in anything, and they’re there at your elbow. As an American I found it an annoyance.  But it got worse when we reached the grocery level of the department store. (Get that? Grocery at a department store?)  There were two guys in the middle of the store yelling out advertisements like a street vendor.  I tried to ignore them like everyone, but I wanted to… to… shut them up somehow. Ach!
Eventually Pres. Kim picked us up and we were back to the office. He had earlier at lunch mentioned we should go with him to the public bathes today, but he must have changed his mind. He ordered in shrimp fried rice and we ate in the office, and then he returned us to the hotel to relax and rest up. I think he was more drained than us after last night.
This finally gave me a chance to wander the open market of Anyang alone to shop. I didn’t find what I was looking for, and returned after a couple hours. Still, the walk in the night air was good.

Today we’re back at work. We’ll sit around all day killing time, eat more strange and interesting Korean cuisine, go back to the hotel in time for me to wander the shopping district and go to bed feeling accomplished. That’s how things were supposed to happen.
( Oh, how I wish they had… )
( where my tale turns down a dark path... )
I know we walked back to the restaurant and the car from there, though I don’t know how that happened. A restaurant employee drove us home in Pres. Kim’s car, which is another interesting Korean business custom. We were instructed that we would be picked up at 11am tomorrow rather than 10. Then I was in my room and out.
If this gets back to the office, I know it will be because of Jodi, who reads my journal.

As promised, President Kim and his wife picked us up at 10am for a hike up a mountain. I know I’m not in shape, but I was going to push myself as much as I had to or could. I heard the last trip Jason came. He’s my size and a smoker and dropped out of the hike some ten minutes in. I didn’t want to do the same.
( so we hiked up a mountain... )
( a Korean standoff... )
( President Kim's old friends... )
After all that we were dropped back at the hotel early at about 7pm. I thought this was my chance to slip out on my own in the evening when stores were open, but instead I collapsed into bed. I couldn’t help it.

I mentioned yesterday that today was a day off. Seems a little weird since I've only worked one day here, but ok.
As I grabbed my coat and hat this morning I found that I've lost my glasses somehow in last night's drinking. I swear I didn't have THAT much, but I can't find them. Phooey.
I met Tony at 10am and grabbed Krispy Kream in the train station. Got a subway token card (like credit card) and we were on to adventure!
( Read more... )
After that Tony and I stopped at Elvis Bar, which is actually a comfortable little pub where we had a couple beers to literally decompress from everything. We grabbed supper and retired early, around 9.
Tomorrow, we faced the mountain…

Today was a work day in this future world. At 10am a guy from SNK Technologies picked up my boss, Tony, and I from Hotel Sogno in An-yang and took us to the "office". Everything in Korea is stacked four to six layers from the subways to the top of the "street level" businesses. What I mean is most retail stores have three or four floors of shopping or business. SNK is in a small nondescript building above an auto body shop.

We mostly just sat around all day because the product wasn't really ready for testing until end of day. It felt like being on the plane again. President Kim took us to lunch, and then dinner. I can definitely say Korean food is tasty!  Most of it is spicy, with all kinds of seafood, strange vegetables and adventure. Everything is eaten with steel chopsticks and a big spoon. The downside is there's this ritual where you wrap your meat in a leaf or pickled radish slice with other condiments into a little burrito using only your chopsticks, and then try to eat it without making a mess. So far I've mostly failed. I'm sure Pres. Kim thinks I'm an uncouth moron.

One other thing of note: Soju. This popular drink is 38 proof, clear, and taste like smooth, slightly sweet, weak vodka. Pres. Kim's wife can throw these suckers back. She came to dinner with us, and she seems to like to party. She expected us to keep up with her, and we did. Tony and I got back to the hotel unable to do much but go to bed.

But tomorrow is Saturday and we have the day off to explore, and then Sunday we're hiking up a mountain.
More later...

After this weekend's camping i had very little time to rest. With a great deal of nervousness I packed up my bags and grabbed my brand new passport.
Yesterday early early E dropped me off at the airport and I was off. Sitting in a seat for sixteen hours, plus a four hour layover in SFO was taxing, but I survived to arrive in Korea at 6pm the next day. Wait, wut? The hours don't add up... unless... I've also travelled into the future!!

AWESOME

so, some first thoughts on this strange alien future world that I'm touring:
1: You know that smell at the asian grocery? Everything smells like that here. I used to think it was the fish market in the back of the store. Now I know its the smell of Korea. You get used to it.
2: At the airport the taxi guys do not take "no" for an answer. Every 30 seconds someone asked me in a soft tone, "Where are you going?" I told them I was looking for someone, but they just stared at me blankly. I think those are the only four English words they knew. For that matter, I'm only guessing they were taxi drivers. Maybe they were sexual predators of something.
3: There are no billboards in Korea. No place along the highway can you see an ad. In fact, they put up cement walls on both sides so you can't see the cities or scenery either. Maybe to combat noise pollution? I don't know.
4: There are no semi trucks on the highway either. I know they have a developed rail system, but I'm surprised they don't utilize their roads for cargo like we do.
5: inside the city everyone drives like friggin maniacs, weaving in an out, driving on the sidewalk, whatever. Some places they didn't even bother to paint the lines on the road since nobody seems to use them. Also the city is so condensed there isn't any good place to park so Koreans will park any damn place they can find. Cars are up on the sidewalk, blocked three cars deep, taking up a whole lane of a two lane road. If there were parking laws enforced in this town the city would bank.

More to report later...

This weekend was Spring War, a big big national Amtgard event that was just an hour away. Even though I have no love for the society of Amtgard I tried to generate interest among my peeps to go, since it was a great way to see both dree and jillicious, Tollan, sharjinka and kalidascopeeyes all in one place. ( Read more... ) It was a great end to a good time at the worst event I could ever laugh at. All weekend I wanted to say, "We would never do this in Drandmir. We're not dumbasses. We're fukin bad ass." But I was good. I didn't say nuthin.

"Good to hear from you again. Hope life is going well?" said an LJ friend today.
I guess I just never get around to posting all the things I mean to here. Mostly I just don't want to spew negativity, but anyway... here we go.

Last night... well, you know. We rocked the vote. Mtv tried to motivate with the phrase, what, 16 years ago? But then it didn't do crap to unite my generation. Now Obama showed we can together make a difference. Finally.

I believe this may have been the most important election in the history of our country. Definitely in my lifetime. A change, a break with the generations of prejudice of white americans can now be seen in a black man who leads us. A man who has already made himself a role model that everyone can look to, but especially young black Americans who really can become president some day. That's a claim no one would have believed before yesterday.
It's not, it never was, just about the race issue. Obama has integrity and vision, intelligents and education, and can set a course correction to this country that has been derailed by the antichrist who's been disassembling our America for  the last 8 years. He's a proven statesmen (Yes, I said proven. He can make a speach, man!) an effective congressman, and a calm, reflective, even handed total badass. Am I getting carried away if I say we have a total badass action hero for president? Maybe. At least I don't feel like I have to apologize to the rest of the world this time.

I believe him. I think hes honest with us. I think that because he hasn't just told us what we want to hear. The economy is in the toilet, and its gonna take work and sacrafice to rebuild. I don't think some people are ready to hear that. Maybe they can't handle the truth. Well, tough shit. Put on the big boy pants.

And so I'm finding out where some of my friends stand, who are feeling the pain of their losing the election. Cursing the winner with names of "communist" and "facist". I want to react with the same irrational knee-jerk defensiveness. I'm trying to keep quiet until I can think clearer. I'm trying not to be angry at things that sounds so stupid to me right now.

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public today REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies tomorrow and you will start to receive sale calls.

.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222
It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS... It takes about  20 seconds or go to www.donotcall.gov

Congratulations on being the creator of a new

Evil Plan (tm)!

 

Your objective is simple: Soul Accumulation.

 

Your motive is a little bit more complex: Love (Yes, it works)

 

Stage One

To begin your plan, you must first expose a wall street executive. This will cause the world to sit up and take notice, overwhelmed by your arrival. Who is this evil genius? Where did they come from? And why do they look so good in your wizard's robes?

 

Stage Two

Next, you must sabotoge the white house. This will all be done from a air fortress, a mysterious place of unrivaled dark glory. Upon seeing this, the world will tremble, as countless hordes of mad scientists hasten to do your every bidding.

 

Stage Three

Finally, you must reveal to the world your needlessly big weather machine, bringing about the apocalypse. Your name shall become synonymous with the spice girls, and no man will ever again dare sabotage your music career. Everyone will bow before your dashing good looks, and the world will have no choice but to worship the ground you walk on.

Instructions:
Take a picture of yourself right now.
Don't change your clothes, don't fix your hair - just take a picture.
Post that picture with NO editing.
Post these instructions with the picture.


You know it's Talk Like a Pirate Day, right?

"I think God's will has to be done in unifying
people and companies to get that gas line
built, so pray for that." -- Sarah Palin

Ok, look. You political hack jobs that use the term "God" as in "God's will" or "God's work" or "God's plan" whenever you're promoting something stupid really irk those of us that still attach some meaning to the term "God". And those that don't attach such meaning just find you amusing in your ridiculousness. So the only people you're reaching are the fucktard ditto heads that don't connect with anything and just want to agree with eachother. The herd. I'm just saying...

I got this spam in my office e-mail today. I'm sure there's a secret message in it, but I don't know what it is!

From: Brinckerhoff Sisley [mailto:pianofortes@tivy.co.uk]
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 2:25 PM
To: Repair
Subject: Foreigners gobsmaccked bby Shanghai cab spittoons

 

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Or judgment is affirmed, the case does not usually equestribus
plaustris, et ratibus subministratur, thou all the throngs
of our foes! Beholding thee those same young men who had
passed running. They lake to be encompassed by many mighty
carwarriors,.

Tonight I got fired from the band.
Three weeks ago after practice Riff sent an email pissed at some little asinine comment I made saying he quit. It was such a non-reason it didn't make any sense, but that's all I knew.

Tonight we had a meeting. Apparently not the first meeting they'd had in the last three weeks, but the first for me.
And so they just dropped it on me. Hojo did. "We don't want you to sing for the band anymore."
I asked them why. They told me watching the last gig recording my voice failed pretty quickly into the set. Said I'd improved in the last six years, but not enough to take us to where they'd like to go. Never mind the last set list put the most voice straining songs right up front. But that's still a reason. But I don't believe its the only reason. Its just the only one they gave me.
They didn't look me in the eyes. They didn't tell me what a pain in the ass I am to work with, or that they didn't think I had a clue musically. That I have an obnoxious mouth that isn't attached to my brain way too often. Those could all be true too, but they couldn't tell me.
I'd always felt that Riff had no respect for anything I had to say regarding building out a song. He'd just play whatever he liked through the whole song sometimes, and he could sometimes pull it off. But it didn't help build the song, and forced me to sing over him. I couldn't seem to express what I wanted, and got frustrated. Hojo knew what he wanted, but at least he would listen to me sometimes. He may not agree, but he'd engage me.
But I didn't go into any of that. It didn't matter, did it?
Hojo pointed out that I'd contributed a lot to the band, and I know he meant the songs we'd all put together with lyrics I helped write. I wasn't going to be a shit and try to tell them they couldn't use them. I just said when they got a record deal I wanted my commission. That seems fair.
They said they still wanted me to contribute, and I said I didn't really see where they saw a place for me. I don't feel good about writing song lyrics for someone else to perform. They offered me a management role, but I pointed out that without a front man they aren't going to be read to gig for a while. I didn't really want to burn a bridge, but I'm not really feeling the interest just now.

So I'm out of Undersoul.
I want to thank all my friends. Everyone who came out and supported me and saw the shows and told me they enjoyed it. You kept me going, and made it worth the effort. Thank you so much for backing me up.
I take away a lot more confidence that I can sing, and can write a song. Lyrics, anyway. I know kinda how to get gigs, and could probably book a lot more shows if I find myself in a similar situation in the future. I know better the kind of music I'd like to sing, and I think it maybe isn't Undersoul.
I'd like to find a band that I could be excited about again. Or make one.

But for now, I'm going to work on other things. Enjoy my weekends without practice. Continue writing the LARP I've been working on forever. I've never even mentioned it, but I will. I can come back to a musical project later, and on my terms.

I just got a look at the mailer that went out to those who asked for more info at CRW. Its written to target people familiar with the Amtgard/HFS system but its maybe a good start at making one with a broader draw. I'm very excited!
( Read more... )
Goofy included a few pages we've already written up as well, but the layout and illustrations aren't there yet.

uh... what? Don't you want to sell me a watch or offer help with my length problem?

-----Original Message-----
From: Mary Foley [mailto:RomeojarBartlett@linuxstolescocode.com]
Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 8:13 PM
To: Repair
Subject: Fwd: password

 

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." Vincent Thomas

 

No products, no links, no nuthin. But so bitter!


-----Original Message-----
From: Lora Ferris [mailto:PaulettechokeberryFerris@poynter.org]
Sent: Friday, August 01, 2008 8:20 PM
To: Repair
Subject: Re: ..

 

"Real misanthropes are not found in solitude, but in the real world; since it is experience of life, and not philosophy, which produces real hatred of mankind." Giacomo Leopardi

We had a great time at Red Eyed Fly last month, and are feeling really great about coming back this Thursday, July 17th! If we can get a good turn out for this show, the club promised us they'll put us in a weekend spot in the future, so this show will hopefully be a great opportunity for us.
Here's the lineup to get you excited.

Pocket Fox starts the night with their good garage grunge sound.
Undersoul hits the stage at 10pm ready to rock you!
Your Kisses Cause Crashes follows us at 11pm
The Western Civilization headlines at midnight.
Get ready for a good time!

Red Eyed Fly is an all ages venue. Cover is $5, $8 for those under 21. Doors open at 8:30pm.

If you'd like to hang out with us before the show, and get the best parking, we're going to be at Casino El Camino for some food at about 7:30. We'll head down the street to Red Eyed Fly at about 9 to unload.
Meet us Thursday at Red Eyed Fly, possibly our favorite venue!

Undersoul plays at Room 710 this Sunday!

We’re looking forward to showing you a good time and meeting some new bands. Our two favorite things! It would be great to see you out there! We always have a pretty good time.

If you'd like to hang out with us before the show, we are going to be at Casino El Camino on 6th at about 7:30 for big ass burgers and beer. That way we get choice parking early, and just walk to the club after. If you haven't been to Casino El Camino come and discover it. I'm amazed I don't hear more raving about this place.

Here are two of the other bands that will be playing! Check them out!

Wiretree http://www.myspace.com/wiretree
El Ten Eleven (Los Angeles) http://www.myspace.com/elteneleven

Cover is $5

Sun Jun 29 9pm – 2am
Room 710, 710 Red River (map)
http://www.room710.net/

Room 710 is a 21 and over venue