...and done (almost sort of kind of).

Ten stories done. Now I only have to get the last five on disk (yes, I talk like an old person using words like "disk") proofread all ten, then on to the shameless promotion. I'm hoping to make an effort to promote good fiction and short stories through the genre of comedy. So far I've got psychological and philosophical themes along with some of the weirdest stories I've done. I even managed to slip in some poop jokes for good measure.

If you haven't guessed by now, I'm excited.

And yes, there will be updates.

Goings on and Stuffs

Saw Bolt and Push. Bolt was better than expected, good for some laughs. Push was awful, and almost made me lose respect for the "not yet" guy from Gladiator who was also good in Blood Diamond. Almost.

Saw a Felice Brothers concert, which was also my first real concert in six years or so, give or take a couple. It was high energy, which was good, until it got a little too high energy at the end. Still, how often can you say you saw someone breaking his washboard at a concert? It was also interesting to see the same member of the folk-rock band beat boxing. It's like they asked What Would Dylan Do? And did the opposite. Still, it was entertaining so I can't complain too much.

They also did one gospel-ish song, which coincidentally sounded the best and seemed to be the most high energy (in a non-destructive way). They need to record it so I can buy it. Yeah, some people still buy music. Fine, don't believe me. I got to go download some videos. Later.

Eight Down, Two to Go

Short Stories, that is. Just FYI.

Happy 4th

A few 4th of July highlights:

1. Before the parade on main street in Windham New York we noticed a lady approach one of many tiny American flags on a fence in front of the public library, snatch it, and walk (semi) casually away. I wanted to yell "Stop stealing America!" but it was too late.

2. During the parade I acquired a new skill--dodging projectile candy. I got pretty good at it too, thanks for asking.

3. When we got home, we discovered the neigbors were having quite a large bonfire without a permit. This is in a rural, heavilly wooded area, so we felt the urge to call it in. A police car and later two fire trucks came up the narrow steep dirt driveway to us, since we were the ones who called. The first two backed up and headed toward the proper house, but the last fire truck had issues turning around. After tearing up another neighbor's driveway a bit, lots of effort, and more effort on our part to keep from laughing (too loud), they got out. Eventually, all was slightly better. Even later, the fire went bye-bye.

DC!

We had the opportunity to see some of what there is to see in the US capital. We had frequent flier miles lying around so we decided to cram a six hour drive into an all-day flight. It was a bit of a huge circle, but not bad for $20.

We crammed into a couple of planes for Oompa Loompas by Oompa Lompas. Fortunately, I've lived in Korea for five years and am therefore accustomed to the art of ducking. Otherwise I'm sure the number of head bumps would have exceeded two.

Five more words about the flight and I'm done. Two delays. Worst turbulance ever.

We arrived at Beka's aunt and uncle's house that afternoon. Her aunt handed us subway cards as we watched the news about the subway crash earlier that day. Amazingly enough, we were able to use the subway that week without delays. We kept hearing about delays, but I guess we just missed them.

So, what did we see? Roosevelt and Lincoln Memorials, Viet Nam Memorial, American History Museum (highlights include George Washington in a toga, Loony Tunes drawing cells, and Kermit), two art galleries and a portrait museum. We went to the zoo to not see the pandas and were successful in our goal. We went to Mount Vernon and saw Washington's stomping grounds and a guy who looks like Hurley from Lost. All said, it was a full week.

What did I learn? It's hard to say. I saw a picture in the American History museum of a cartoon showing the North and South's opinion of Lincoln after his famous speech. The South saw him as a war monger and the North saw him as too peaceful. When I see portraits or sculptures of famous political figures, are they really heroes? The frustration is, it depends on who you talk to.

Five Stories Done, Five to Go

My goal is half done. Harrass me. Please.

Please Take Us to the Zoo

I went to the zoo with some friends, so I had the title stuck in my head a good part of the day. It's part of a script for a listening and speaking test I give fairly often. I figured if I have to endure that phrase repeatedly, I might as well entertain myself with it, and I don't do remixes. I lack the rhythm and musical ability.

Okay, the story. I saw a little guy with a Pokemon balloon and as is the routine I made funny faces. As is the routine for Korean children, he stared at the strange white man.

I walked up to him and softly punched the balloon.

He stepped slowly back, then ran downhill to find mom.

The Korean college students with us laughed and said, "Omah (Mom)!"

International incident, here I come.