According to Facebook, you can now become a fan of yourself. There's a group called "Me", and apparently anyone can join.
I don't feel so good.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
My Name is Earl
Recently Beka and I started watching the first season of My Name is Earl and laughing quite a bit. It's no Office, but it was a lot less lame than I expected it to be. In the midst of the dumb Raising Arizona meets Me Myself and Irene humor, I was surprised by some hints of insight. Pure coincidence I'm sure, but appreciated nonetheless.
Earl is a petty thief who somehow wins the Lottery one day. Shortly after he's hit by a car. In the hospital, he discovers that Carson Daley came up with this thing called karma. He buys into it, makes a list of everything he did wrong, and proceeds to go about making things right, so he can cross stuff off the list and be a good person.
This is legalism, right? But it also equates to a sort of conversion experience. He realizes he can't hang out with the same people he used to, gets called nasty names and endures whining that he was so much more fun before. Of course, he's still entertaining, or Beka and I wouldn't laugh so much.
He also constantly adds to his list as he realizes things he did wrong that he never even thought about before. Hmmm.
At least in any of the episodes we watched, Christianity is mentioned in passing but not bad mouthed. Earl has to confess to an ex-con how he had wronged him. Fresh out of prison, the guy still has the wild-eyed look until he mentions that he became a Christian. However, he seems ready to return to the old ways when Earl confesses. Quickly Earl asks "What Would Jesus Do?"
The other man pauses, then consults the tatoo of Jesus on his chest.
Here it comes, I thought. Token hypocrisy.
"I forgive you," he states. Later on, we see a much saner looking version of him waving at Earl. In the midst of bizarre tattoo humor, we see a Christian practicing forgiveness on TV. And that makes me smile.
Earl is a petty thief who somehow wins the Lottery one day. Shortly after he's hit by a car. In the hospital, he discovers that Carson Daley came up with this thing called karma. He buys into it, makes a list of everything he did wrong, and proceeds to go about making things right, so he can cross stuff off the list and be a good person.
This is legalism, right? But it also equates to a sort of conversion experience. He realizes he can't hang out with the same people he used to, gets called nasty names and endures whining that he was so much more fun before. Of course, he's still entertaining, or Beka and I wouldn't laugh so much.
He also constantly adds to his list as he realizes things he did wrong that he never even thought about before. Hmmm.
At least in any of the episodes we watched, Christianity is mentioned in passing but not bad mouthed. Earl has to confess to an ex-con how he had wronged him. Fresh out of prison, the guy still has the wild-eyed look until he mentions that he became a Christian. However, he seems ready to return to the old ways when Earl confesses. Quickly Earl asks "What Would Jesus Do?"
The other man pauses, then consults the tatoo of Jesus on his chest.
Here it comes, I thought. Token hypocrisy.
"I forgive you," he states. Later on, we see a much saner looking version of him waving at Earl. In the midst of bizarre tattoo humor, we see a Christian practicing forgiveness on TV. And that makes me smile.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Japan: Parting Shot
I just found a news story that reflects on the type of picnic we saw in the parks perfectly.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/8002030.stm
It reminds me of one last story. Eventually we got used to how empty the mall near our hotel was, but the first night it was a bit creepy. At one point we waited by an arcade with no one else around but us. One of the games on the outside started making noise and moving around a bit. A drumstick, part of the game, fell to the floor. Only the embarrassment of soiling oneself in public kept me in line.
Later we would get used to shopping around in empty stores. Between that and the hours, we wondered how these places make any money.
That's where I want to end this story. We had fun and stretched our communication skills and tolerance for eating late, but that's not the end of it. We shouldn't forget when we went. There were picnics and drinking and silly giggling, but there were reasons for that. I hope I don't forget.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/8002030.stm
It reminds me of one last story. Eventually we got used to how empty the mall near our hotel was, but the first night it was a bit creepy. At one point we waited by an arcade with no one else around but us. One of the games on the outside started making noise and moving around a bit. A drumstick, part of the game, fell to the floor. Only the embarrassment of soiling oneself in public kept me in line.
Later we would get used to shopping around in empty stores. Between that and the hours, we wondered how these places make any money.
That's where I want to end this story. We had fun and stretched our communication skills and tolerance for eating late, but that's not the end of it. We shouldn't forget when we went. There were picnics and drinking and silly giggling, but there were reasons for that. I hope I don't forget.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Japan Trip Part 4
The following day we decided to head back to Kyoto and hunt once again for lunch. We had a late start and arrived after 2. Once arriving at our destination in the scenic tourist area we found that no restaurants opened until 5. We found a 7 11, bought some snacks and something noodle based but not much like Ramen, and settled in for a quick outdoor lunch.
We watched two musicians along with several other onlookers as pigeons scrounged for food. We tried not to drop too much food, but it was no use. Once the music stopped, the birds swooped in for the kill. We were surrounded. I cursed Hitchcock as I shook my bag to make noise. That startled some birds away. Lucky for us real pigeons are stupid.
We took pictures of the area, then went back to Osaka to get dinner. We had another nice search ahead of us, but we finally found a good place for sushi. We had a seat, and asked for a menu. The owner took us outside and pointed out the significance of our choices. We wanted medium portions for a seafood dish, but medium was not pictured. Small was, which consisted of two shrimp for basically $9. We thanked him for his time and went to find somewhere else.
We finally found a nice place and ordered fish, shrimp, other shellfish, and something that must have been sea monkey eggs. Whatever the case, we were full and happy.
We found a mall, shopped, then raced back to our shuttle. We made our way back to the hotel and packed for our return journey. The next day we'd hear Korean again.
We watched two musicians along with several other onlookers as pigeons scrounged for food. We tried not to drop too much food, but it was no use. Once the music stopped, the birds swooped in for the kill. We were surrounded. I cursed Hitchcock as I shook my bag to make noise. That startled some birds away. Lucky for us real pigeons are stupid.
We took pictures of the area, then went back to Osaka to get dinner. We had another nice search ahead of us, but we finally found a good place for sushi. We had a seat, and asked for a menu. The owner took us outside and pointed out the significance of our choices. We wanted medium portions for a seafood dish, but medium was not pictured. Small was, which consisted of two shrimp for basically $9. We thanked him for his time and went to find somewhere else.
We finally found a nice place and ordered fish, shrimp, other shellfish, and something that must have been sea monkey eggs. Whatever the case, we were full and happy.
We found a mall, shopped, then raced back to our shuttle. We made our way back to the hotel and packed for our return journey. The next day we'd hear Korean again.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Japan Trip Part 3
We found a stair way to heaven after we took the train to Kyoto. It was actually an outdoor escalator in a large department store/mall, but that doesn't sound as cool. Lunch time was upon us, so we scanned each floor for restaurants. We weren't sure what we wanted, but we decided not Ramen again. We searched the shopping area, found nothing, and went back down the magical stairs (still sounds better than escalator, doesn't it)and found another good restaurant in the city. We found menus, pointed to the pictures we wanted, and inadvertently ordered Ramen. It was good nonetheless.
We found a cab and asked the driver about sites as we checked our map. Everything was good. Was the palace good? Yes, he agreed. Good.
He dropped us off at the palace and made his way back to somewhere else. I'm sure it was good, wherever it was. I'm sure the palace was good, except for the happy guards who wouldn't let anyone in. "No permission," we were informed. Good to know.
On the outside was another scenic park, so we took pictures and enjoyed the lovely day. Children chased pigeons while white flower petals rained around us. Nature. What a ham.
We walked to a shrine from there and read a story on a sign. Apparently boars are good for healing and providing safety on trips. I also believe they taste like pork, but the sign didn't mention anything about that.
We walked on as we hunted for a Starbucks we knew had to be nearby. At least half an hour later, we decided it wasn't as close as we had thought. By the time we found it, I was convinced we were seeing a mirage. Can caffeine deprivation do that? If it did, that sand tasted a lot like coffee so I can't complain.
After we continued walking, every third building was a Starbucks. Nice touch.
We entered an endless shopping area, bought some souvenirs including a doll with helmet hair, and finally found Engrish to cherish. I bought it, and I'll take pictures if I remember. If not, sorry.
We ate fries, watched fashionable people shop for clothes and occasionally trip, then shopped some more and headed back.
Beka and I were still hungry when we got back to our hotel, so we went to the mall area to find any restaurants open after 8. We went to a place called Spuds and ordered sandwiches and fries. The guy behind the counter looked Indian, so we asked where he was from originally.
"India, I guess," he replied. It turns out he had lived in Canada and the U.S. a good deal of his life. He sounded American, except for when he rattled off our orders in Japanese. I was a little embarrassed to admit being from Korea at that point. Well, we can order food in Korean, kind of.
I'm sure we redeemed ourselves by eating fries with chopsticks. But, he brought us silverware "just in case" so you never know.Thankfully we didn't need it.
We found a cab and asked the driver about sites as we checked our map. Everything was good. Was the palace good? Yes, he agreed. Good.
He dropped us off at the palace and made his way back to somewhere else. I'm sure it was good, wherever it was. I'm sure the palace was good, except for the happy guards who wouldn't let anyone in. "No permission," we were informed. Good to know.
On the outside was another scenic park, so we took pictures and enjoyed the lovely day. Children chased pigeons while white flower petals rained around us. Nature. What a ham.
We walked to a shrine from there and read a story on a sign. Apparently boars are good for healing and providing safety on trips. I also believe they taste like pork, but the sign didn't mention anything about that.
We walked on as we hunted for a Starbucks we knew had to be nearby. At least half an hour later, we decided it wasn't as close as we had thought. By the time we found it, I was convinced we were seeing a mirage. Can caffeine deprivation do that? If it did, that sand tasted a lot like coffee so I can't complain.
After we continued walking, every third building was a Starbucks. Nice touch.
We entered an endless shopping area, bought some souvenirs including a doll with helmet hair, and finally found Engrish to cherish. I bought it, and I'll take pictures if I remember. If not, sorry.
We ate fries, watched fashionable people shop for clothes and occasionally trip, then shopped some more and headed back.
Beka and I were still hungry when we got back to our hotel, so we went to the mall area to find any restaurants open after 8. We went to a place called Spuds and ordered sandwiches and fries. The guy behind the counter looked Indian, so we asked where he was from originally.
"India, I guess," he replied. It turns out he had lived in Canada and the U.S. a good deal of his life. He sounded American, except for when he rattled off our orders in Japanese. I was a little embarrassed to admit being from Korea at that point. Well, we can order food in Korean, kind of.
I'm sure we redeemed ourselves by eating fries with chopsticks. But, he brought us silverware "just in case" so you never know.Thankfully we didn't need it.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Japan Trip Part 2
We went back to the mall the next morning to find the stores closed and an indoor flea market in the main open area. We found an open bakery and got the necessary breakfast and more essential coffee. Nothing else opened until 11. On the bright side, they were open until the wee hours of 8 p.m. We hoped this was a Sunday thing. It turns out the flea market was; the odd hours weren't.
We took our time, then wandered by way of shuttle to the actual city area of Osaka. By this time we were ready for lunch, so we scanned a few restaurants and settled on a reasonable enough hole-in-the wall. We sat down, confirmed the man behind the counter couldn't speak English, accepted Japanese menus, and proceeded to order noodles.
Another man entered, ordered a meal and talked to us in English. He explained two things: he used to live in the US, and we were eating Ramen. If that's the truth, this Ramen was magical; it tasted better than any I had before.
He taught us how to say "not spicy" in Japanese, a useful expression in the Miles household. That being said, he gulped down his food and left.
Proud of our newfound knowledge, we tried it out on the guy behind the counter. I pointed to our respective dishes. He nodded and his eyes shone with recognition. "Hot," he said in English.
I said "spicy," then "not spicy" in Japanese as I pointed a second time.
The nod stopped and the shine faded at that point, replaced with confusion. Maybe I should stick to pointing.
If you're ever in Osaka, I recommend that restaurant. It has the best Ramen ever. The name is, uh, hmmm. Well, it's on, that street, you know, when you...
Never mind.
Later we went to the Castle and bought tickets to what turned out to be a park. We confirmed that dogs wear clothes in Japan and occassionally add sunglasses to the mix. I'm not judging, but I find clothes on animals--what's the word? Oh, yeah. Disturbing.
The park was full of families complete with children playing catch or jumping rope. As crowded as it was, a game of frisbee would have been entertaining to watch. Stupid common sense.
Later we saw a tree with pieces of paper tied around the branches. Across the way was a place to buy fortunes. We were trying to figure out what the tree had to do with anything, so we asked two participants if they spoke English. They didn't, but tried to translate anyway. One of them looked at the paper and made a sad face, then pointed to the tree. He then looked at it and made a convincing "I won! I won!" face, followed by putting the paper in his pocket. We thanked him for the translation, then continued our sightseeing.
We walked around the forest area where various picnics and a wedding photoshoot were taking place. One of the former included a large guy with a tiny and continuous giggle. We kept as straight faces as we could, and watched a bit of the latter. The couple were white and wearing Converse. I only mention it because Converse and wearing sneakers for formal occasions are two of my favorite things. Just keeping it real.
Back in the city, we found a Ferriss Wheel, rode it, drank more coffee, hunted in vain for Engrish, then made our way home to rest.
We took our time, then wandered by way of shuttle to the actual city area of Osaka. By this time we were ready for lunch, so we scanned a few restaurants and settled on a reasonable enough hole-in-the wall. We sat down, confirmed the man behind the counter couldn't speak English, accepted Japanese menus, and proceeded to order noodles.
Another man entered, ordered a meal and talked to us in English. He explained two things: he used to live in the US, and we were eating Ramen. If that's the truth, this Ramen was magical; it tasted better than any I had before.
He taught us how to say "not spicy" in Japanese, a useful expression in the Miles household. That being said, he gulped down his food and left.
Proud of our newfound knowledge, we tried it out on the guy behind the counter. I pointed to our respective dishes. He nodded and his eyes shone with recognition. "Hot," he said in English.
I said "spicy," then "not spicy" in Japanese as I pointed a second time.
The nod stopped and the shine faded at that point, replaced with confusion. Maybe I should stick to pointing.
If you're ever in Osaka, I recommend that restaurant. It has the best Ramen ever. The name is, uh, hmmm. Well, it's on, that street, you know, when you...
Never mind.
Later we went to the Castle and bought tickets to what turned out to be a park. We confirmed that dogs wear clothes in Japan and occassionally add sunglasses to the mix. I'm not judging, but I find clothes on animals--what's the word? Oh, yeah. Disturbing.
The park was full of families complete with children playing catch or jumping rope. As crowded as it was, a game of frisbee would have been entertaining to watch. Stupid common sense.
Later we saw a tree with pieces of paper tied around the branches. Across the way was a place to buy fortunes. We were trying to figure out what the tree had to do with anything, so we asked two participants if they spoke English. They didn't, but tried to translate anyway. One of them looked at the paper and made a sad face, then pointed to the tree. He then looked at it and made a convincing "I won! I won!" face, followed by putting the paper in his pocket. We thanked him for the translation, then continued our sightseeing.
We walked around the forest area where various picnics and a wedding photoshoot were taking place. One of the former included a large guy with a tiny and continuous giggle. We kept as straight faces as we could, and watched a bit of the latter. The couple were white and wearing Converse. I only mention it because Converse and wearing sneakers for formal occasions are two of my favorite things. Just keeping it real.
Back in the city, we found a Ferriss Wheel, rode it, drank more coffee, hunted in vain for Engrish, then made our way home to rest.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Meanwhile, Back in the Present
I'll write more on Japan later. In the meantime, a kidnapped captain was rescued from pirates by Navy Seals.
That's great news, but I was hoping it would be ninjas. That would have settled a life-long debate.
Sorry, nerds.
That's great news, but I was hoping it would be ninjas. That would have settled a life-long debate.
Sorry, nerds.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Japan Trip Part 1
We arrived at Incheon airport early enough to grab some breakfast and find a couple of Japanese people worth harassing. We asked for the names of good food there, and they taught us a few. The couple that I remember sounded like "taco yucky" and "economy yucky." I'm not sure about that first one, but the second has a point.
Later, we got on the plane and I faced the usual conundrum when travelling to another country. What language should I use? I settled on "mumble" as I entered and later exited the plane. I'm fluent in "mumble".
We arrived at Osaka and enjoyed Starbucks for a total price of $9 for Beka and I. American Starbucks is cheaper than you think. We would later learn that in Japan, this was a good deal.
We found our shuttle, loaded up, and headed toward our hotel. As we arrived, a helpful recording reminded us to "please enjoy that you bring your belonging with you." I tried to look happier as I grabbed the camera and my backpack. I think the thought of not losing my stuff helped a bit.
We loaded our stuff in our room, enjoyed the view out our windows for a while, then headed down the skywalk that connected to a ginormous mall. It connected to a lot of places, but the mall was where we were going.
On the way to the mall, we met an actual guitar hero. He had a guitar and he's my hero. Well, not exactly my hero. But he sang quite well. I'll pretend he did something cool on the side like fight crime. Then he can be my hero.
We shopped a bit in the mall, searched in vain for things written in Engrish, then found a place to eat. The waiter didn't speak English, but he had an English menu for us. Somehow I ordered the wrong thing. They also had a Korean menu. Maybe I should have used that.
In my defense, I was weak from hunger.
Later, we got on the plane and I faced the usual conundrum when travelling to another country. What language should I use? I settled on "mumble" as I entered and later exited the plane. I'm fluent in "mumble".
We arrived at Osaka and enjoyed Starbucks for a total price of $9 for Beka and I. American Starbucks is cheaper than you think. We would later learn that in Japan, this was a good deal.
We found our shuttle, loaded up, and headed toward our hotel. As we arrived, a helpful recording reminded us to "please enjoy that you bring your belonging with you." I tried to look happier as I grabbed the camera and my backpack. I think the thought of not losing my stuff helped a bit.
We loaded our stuff in our room, enjoyed the view out our windows for a while, then headed down the skywalk that connected to a ginormous mall. It connected to a lot of places, but the mall was where we were going.
On the way to the mall, we met an actual guitar hero. He had a guitar and he's my hero. Well, not exactly my hero. But he sang quite well. I'll pretend he did something cool on the side like fight crime. Then he can be my hero.
We shopped a bit in the mall, searched in vain for things written in Engrish, then found a place to eat. The waiter didn't speak English, but he had an English menu for us. Somehow I ordered the wrong thing. They also had a Korean menu. Maybe I should have used that.
In my defense, I was weak from hunger.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Where Was I?
I had one one those rare weeks where I wasn't writing much because we were out doing stuff. Sorry about that. Won't happen again, I promise.
We went to Osaka with another couple for a few days. It was fun, and a lot less touristy than we were expecting, which added to the fun. The whole story is on its way, but since we just got back and I'm tired (okay,lazy) I'll start at the end with lasting impressions.
Lasting Impressions
I might get in trouble for saying this,living in Korea and all, but I like Japan. I guess I could play the dumb foreigner card and say I didn't know I'm supposed to hate Japan. That would work if I didn't just say "I might get in trouble for saying this." Do'h!
Osaka was industrial, but spread out and clean. Kyoto was busier population wise, but also fairly clean. Everyone smoked indoors (including us, it was a rule {I'm joking,Mom}). Our hotel room was nice, but it smelled like smoke. Still, I was amazed at the tiny number of cigarette butts I saw on the streets. I could count them on one hand.
Actually, the same goes for trash in general. Even in non-tourist areas, litter was minimal. I was surprised and delighted to actually see trash cans in public places.
Japan was expensive, but we found some better deals than we expected.
Communication was tricky at times, since Osaka and Kyoto were less tourist-ish than we had expected. Many people didn't speak English, which made communication fun. We were surprised by the flexibility and diversity of non-Japanese residents who would carry on a conversation with us and switch to Japanese when talking to someone else. Good for them. We're so lame.
More to come. Eventually.
We went to Osaka with another couple for a few days. It was fun, and a lot less touristy than we were expecting, which added to the fun. The whole story is on its way, but since we just got back and I'm tired (okay,lazy) I'll start at the end with lasting impressions.
Lasting Impressions
I might get in trouble for saying this,living in Korea and all, but I like Japan. I guess I could play the dumb foreigner card and say I didn't know I'm supposed to hate Japan. That would work if I didn't just say "I might get in trouble for saying this." Do'h!
Osaka was industrial, but spread out and clean. Kyoto was busier population wise, but also fairly clean. Everyone smoked indoors (including us, it was a rule {I'm joking,Mom}). Our hotel room was nice, but it smelled like smoke. Still, I was amazed at the tiny number of cigarette butts I saw on the streets. I could count them on one hand.
Actually, the same goes for trash in general. Even in non-tourist areas, litter was minimal. I was surprised and delighted to actually see trash cans in public places.
Japan was expensive, but we found some better deals than we expected.
Communication was tricky at times, since Osaka and Kyoto were less tourist-ish than we had expected. Many people didn't speak English, which made communication fun. We were surprised by the flexibility and diversity of non-Japanese residents who would carry on a conversation with us and switch to Japanese when talking to someone else. Good for them. We're so lame.
More to come. Eventually.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Speaking of Failed Jokes...
What happens if you make up a product that sounds terrible as an April Fool's joke, but it turns out people actually want it?
Suck up to George Lucas.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/tauntaun.html
Suck up to George Lucas.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/tauntaun.html
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