Just leave it alone.

One of the things that strikes me most when watching all the "controversy" in the news is how easy it would be solve it all. Just leave each other alone.

Someone doesn't share your religious beliefs, mind your own life and let them have their own beliefs. Someone has a different sexual orientation than you, stop trying to "fix them" and get own with your life. Different political view, keep it to yourself and let them do the same. People waste so much time, energy, and emotion trying to justify their own views that they trample the beliefs of others. Be secure enough in yourself to let people disagree with you.

Gay marriage
Personally, if 2 men or women want to tie the knot, I have no problem with it. What 2 consenting adults do is their own business. What I do have a problem with is being told that people have to accept it. Forcing someone to accept your view is just as bad as the people who call it an abomination.

Religion
I consider myself a Christian. If you are a Buddhist, Muslim, Atheist, Pagan, or Trekkie that is between you and your deity. It is your right as a human being to believe or not believe as you see fit. Condemning what religion someone follows, or mocking them because they have a religion is intolerance at it's worst.

Politics
I am neither Republican nor Democrat. I don't care what your political science professor thinks of George W. Bush. I don't want to hear a 30 minute regurgitated speech on how right or wrong a politician is. Getting overly emotional when someone has a different view on a question you brought up is childish. Let them have their views, and you keep your own.

All in all I truly believe that the world would be a better place if folks would leave each other alone.

Apologetic for being an American?

"Americans can actually go to dinner parties and cocktail receptions around the world today and not have to apologize for the United States the way they have had to do the last several years. The election has made life a little bit easier for Americans living and traveling abroad to hold their head up high again." -John Quelch, the senior associate dean at Harvard Business School.

Apologize for the United States? This bit really sticks in my craw. I have attended many dinner and cocktail parties around the world, never have I nor would I apologize for the United States. Does my country do things I disagree with? Yep. Would I ever apologize for my country or for being an American? Not a chance in hell, nor dose anyone that knows me expect me to.

TSA psychoanalysis

Over the last few years I have been doing a lot of travel for business (just got my gold level sky miles). The TSA has been a constant pain in the bum. Before you start in with the whole "They're just trying to protect us", take a look at the people they have. Not many Nobel Prize winners there. The Draconian rules ("Sir, we need to x-ray your belt, shoes, jacket, and wallet. Also you have flagged for heightened security check so you need to step out of line and over behind this screen while we hand search your luggage."), after flying for 14 hours tends to put me in a bad mood. So you can just imagine how excited I was to hear that now the TSA will be looking for suspicious behavior. Oh this is going to go well.

PC strikes again, and I didn't see that one coming

So, the term "British" is found to be offensive in British Isles. Well, I guess it is nice to see all the Political Correctness idiots are not just confined to the United States.

Update

With all the controversy over Proposition 8 in California, Sir Elton John has voiced his views.

Dark Side of Oz

Happy Birthday, Jar heads!!

Being how it's the Marine Corps birthday, figured I give them a solid "Semper Fi!". Being an ex-sailor, I've always had a soft spot for the devil dogs.

The friendly rivalry between the armed forced is tradition. Each branch has a multitude of nicknames for each other here are a few examples.

Army - Ground pounders, Gravel agitators
Navy - Squids, Bubble heads (submariners)
Air force - Bird boys, Vultures
Coast guard - Coasties, Puddle pirates
Marine Core - Jar heads, Self Propelled Pop-Up Targets (SPPUTs)

The jokes and names can go on, but I digress.

Happy Birthday and Semper Fi!!

Rough week, but at least I'm working on my patience.

This has been a brutal week so far. Most of this is due to going to the dentist. I had a check up last week and found out I need 2 root canals, no fun. The Korean way of doing dental work is quite different from what I am used to in the United States. Instead of going in one day and having everything done that day, it is stretched out over a month or so. Tuesday I had the drilling done, and the temporary fillings put in. Next Tuesday I have my first root canal and temporary filling put back in. Next Friday the second root canal takes place. The following week they start working on the cap for the teeth.

On the up side, the dentists here are state of the art. The price is also less than half of what it is in the States. Just gotta get over how long it takes.

New president

So it looks like Obama has the win. I think that most of my liberal friends would be surprised that I am not upset. Fact is folks, this election was bought and paid for. McCain never stood a chance, his campaign was poorly run, the media backed Obama, and the difference in campaign dollars was too much to overcome.

Add to this the even larger majority of Democrats in the House and Senate, and you have a power structure that has not been seen since Jimmy Carter. I guess we will now see if Obama can bring the change that people believe they need, or will he prove to be just another politician? Guess I had better get back to regular posts, before the fairness doctrine kicks in.

This guy is great

Please sir, may I have some more?

Most everyone in the world now knows about Joe the Plumber. He has been vilified, investigated, and hounded by the media. His crime, he dared ask a question to Obama. Regardless of the guy's background, Obama's answer should be what is the focus.

Obama said, that a business making over 250,000 will have a tax increase to cover a tax cut for those making less, or as he put it "spreading the wealth". So take from the rich and give to the poor? Maybe it's time to break out the green tights and bow and arrows. More troubling than some guy daring to ask the Demi-god Obama a question is Obama's past statements and votes. When the campaign began the value was 1,000,000 not 250,000, that is quite a change. Twice he has voted to raise taxes on people making as little as 42,000. The tax plan he is proposing where 95% of the U.S. gets a tax cut was called by the Wall Street Journal "an illusion" and a "welfare plan".

But Joe is the villain for asking about the tax plan, disgraceful.

Home and back

Just got back from the US. Spent the last two weeks on vacation, spending time with the family and whatnot. It is always a strange experience when I first get home, I keep expecting things to be as they were when I left. You would think that I would have learned by now that they never are. The little sister now has her first boyfriend. My nieces are growing like weeds. I had a lot of plans while I was home, got around to doing none of them. Funny how two weeks can pass in a blink of an eye. Maybe next time I will finally make it to Vegas, or travel north abit to meet some of the folks on the blogosphere.

The trip home was bittersweet. Along with visiting my family and being able to do some target shooting with my father, I learned that an old friend is dying and probably won't be around next time I come home. My mother's (before you ask, my parents have been divorced for as long as I can remember) boyfriend is also in bad shape, and it is unknown how long he has.

So after a dramatic two weeks I am back in Korea.

new racist "code" words

The gods of political correctness have struck again. It seems new word and phrases are now "racist code words".

Among these are:

Community Organizer
Skinny
Arrogant
Elitist

And (my personal favorite)

Black hole

Can we get a constantly updated list of what words offend people? It's getting harder and harder to keep up.

Freedom and Fairness

Got in a discussion today online (yeah I know arguing online is one step below useless) about freedom. I see freedom as being able to make choices without other people telling you how to choose. Be it choosing what to eat for lunch, or choosing who to vote for. The thing most people lose track of is that with your choice comes the consequences of making it.

If you decide to have the super sized fast food meal that is your choice, but it is also your responsibility to deal with the extra calories. Want to drive a large SUV go for it, just don't whine to me about having to fill up the gas tank. Choose to break the law, don't cry about being punished. This is the burden of free will.

Alot of choices don't have a happy ending either way that is chosen, I was told that "That's not fair.". Unfortunately that is life, fairness is an illusion. There will always be someone that has a leg up on you, that's a fact. You can either worry about fairness, or you can get on with life. There are very few things more satisfying then leaving people in the dust who started ahead of you.

Fair is what losers cry about when the winner is leaving with the prize.

Not enough hours in the day

Seems like the older I get, the shorter the days get. Here recently I have had little to no time to do anything. Right now, on top of work I'm trying to schedule a trip back to the US for vacation, prepare some photographs for a world wide contest, prepare some photographs for a local contest, and have some sort of personal life (which has been suffering lately). Hopefully will get on top of it soon.

Sick of it

It's only September and I'm already sick of the election. 24 hours a day of total and complete BS. The democrats are painting Obama as the second coming, and McCain as on death's door. The republicans are sticking to Obama as an inexperienced pup and McCain as someone who doesn't toe partisan lines.

Personally I would like a candidate that is worth voting for.

Busy weekend

Attended the World Body Painting Festival Asia, this weekend. Good times, Saturday went just to scout things out, and returned Sunday to do some serious picture taking (took over 1600 pics and will have a some up soon on my Photo blog).

Trying my hand at a chocolate fondue

10 ounces of bittersweet chocolate
3/4 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Various cubed fruit for dipping

Heat mixture to a nice liquid consistency and serve

Add friends, music, and wine

Rewrites

Watched "Wanted" last night, was sorely disappointed. The story was basically gutted to make it more palatable. I can understand leaving things out for run time, as in the Harry Potter movies, but this was an almost complete rewrite. I am really hoping that "Watchmen" stays true to the plot.

Sadly these rewrites are not just in the movies, if you want real scary look into the history books in the schools today. How much of our past do we have to rewrite to make it palatable? Wonder whose plot they will write it to?

3 things that have my geek meter pegging out.

Yep, my inner geek is doing back flips. Watchmen, in particular, has me salivating.

More proof that Darwin was wrong.

"Where is everyone?"
"They are away for the exercise, I am the only one here."
"Really? What about Mr. Jerry?"
"He is away at the exercise, I am the only one here."
"What about Ms. Sook?"
"She is at the exercise, I am the only one here."
"What about Mr. Fred?"
"He is at the exercise, so is Raul, I AM THE ONLY ONE HERE!"
"Oh, ok what about Mr Raul?"

Survival of the fittest my fuzzy pink bottom.

Where does the time go?

Seems like yesterday I was just getting to Korea, now it is 3 years later. Hard to believe that it's been 10 years since I left the Navy, and 16 years since High School. It's funny how quickly time passes. Until now I have not realized how long ago I was just a boy growing up in Georgia, It really doesn't feel that long ago.

As a child you long for the days when you will be an adult, and as an adult you lament the passing of the frivolity of youth.

Something I received in my email.

I got this today, and thought it had some good points.

As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.

'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President.

In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?''

A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?

B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?

C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?

F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.

H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.

J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.

K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where

90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it.

The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?

Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like OJ. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

The reason I'm not allowed to carry a bat...

I stand waiting on my sub watching the democratic presidential candidate tell me I should learn Spanish, instead of immigrants learning English. I mutter and shake my head.

"You should be happy, he'll be our next president. It makes sense, Japan teaches it's students foreign languages." drones a totally unsolicited voice.

I look over into the glazed eyes of a zealot.

"First off, I could care less what the Japanese do. Secondly, I did not ask for your opinion and will not be voting for him." I snap, and turn back to waiting for my Pastrami sandwich.

"Well, you're just a racist."

"Well, you're just an idiot. Now piss off."

Walking abit

I am in Orlando Florida for the week, on the company dime. Oh darn the luck :). Sometimes having a respectable job has it's perks.

Upholding the Constitution

The gun ban in Washington D.C. has been overturned (a day late and a dollar short, I know). The Supreme Court Of The United States has done it's duty to the people. There are many who disagree with the decision, just as there are many applauding it. The bottom line is that the SCOTUS upheld the Constitution and it's protection of all the American people. I hope this is a trend that will continue, until all our rights are restored fully.

The Constitution is a simple document, it was written that way for a reason. I think the founding fathers understood that all citizens need to know as well as understand what their rights are, and simple words are harder to twist into new meanings.

It does trouble me, that while we have these "rights" we are told that they must be limited for the public good (i.e.. free speech) . A right is something that can not be stripped away, to me the public good would be better served by protecting the rights of the citizens not limiting them.

Election time....yay

So November is not even close and I'm already sick of election coverage. I have a bad feeling that this one is going to be much worse than the last one. Already there have been charges of racism, sexism, and ageism... Can we please give it a rest?

Instead of telling me how terrible your opponent is, how about telling me what you are going to do to make the country better. No empty slogans saying that there will be change, but not say how. No mudslinging, no media slant, no bullshit...

For once since reaching the age to vote, give me someone worth voting for.

Oddities from the weekend

My favorite restaurant has changed chefs, much to my dismay. It's not that the new chef is bad, but when you go in wanting proper Rosemary lamb chops it's a let down to not get them. Had to settle for the Cognac marinated Fillet Mignon. (Yes, I know how snobbish this sounds)

Had a very nice time teaching an attractive young lady how to play chess. Something I did not expect during a rooftop barbecue.

Answering "Wow, you are patient." with "Yes, spending a large portion of my life looking through rifle scopes has made me very patient.", will cause the drunk annoying guy at the barbecue to quickly leave you alone. This allows you to get back to teaching chess to attractive ladies.

Susan Sarandon says that she will leave the US if John McCain is elected. Oh no, what ever shall I do? Help her pack comes to mind.

Sneaking up behind the girl your buddy is trying to pick up in the bar bathroom (yep, got me some real classy friends) and taking a picture of him on the pull, is quite funny.

Plastic darts, while being safer around people drinking in pubs, are not a fun as metal darts. On a side note, don't use metal darts on the electronic dart boards made for the plastic ones (briefly more fun, but ultimately shortens the game).

Too cool for school

Faster than a speeding bullet.

"Hey, hows it going?"

I grin at the tiny red head

"Not, bad saw you out and about last night, have fun?"
"Pretty good, ended up drinking way to much."

I nod in agreement.

"I can relate, We ende..."

Before I can finish a shadow swoops in, the boyfriend is back.

Personally, I find the situation quite funny. Anytime I talk to my friend her boyfriend shows up within seconds. I have never had a relationship with this girl, have never even tried to make a move on her, but if I come withing five feet of her here he comes. I have set back and watched her talk to other guys without having so much as a sideways glance from him, so I have to wonder what the deal is?

Of course, there is that complete bastard side of me that wonders if I could get her to call him by my name during sex.

Have to agree with Johnny

So, there is a website that let's people from all over the world tell Americans how they should vote. Yep, nothing influences my decision on who will be running my country like the opinions of the French, Iranians, Burmese, ect... .

In fact, one Australian woman wonders why she can not vote in the US election. Let's see here... MAYBE BECAUSE YOU ARE AUSTRALIAN. The Brussels Journal, has an excerpt of some Liberal Europeans wanting US voting rights.

Did I get consulted when your Prime Minister, King, Despot, etc... came into power? No, well Mr. Cash here seems to express my view of your input.

Rhythm

Rap-pida-rap-pida-rap

Hands move of their own accord, shoulders burn.

Rap-pida-rap-pida-rap

A small red bag swings back and forth, keeping the rhythm.

Rap-pida-rap-pida-rap

None of the worries of the day matter, just stay with the rhythm.

Rap-pida-rap-pida-rap

Villians

O villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain!
My tables—meet it is I set it down
That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain—

Hamlet Act 1, scene 5, 105–109

For every hero, must there be a villain? What defines each party? Is it definite, or just a matter of perspective?

In the movies it's a bit easier to tell who is who. In real life, not so much.

Enough

"I haven't seen you in awhile."

A shrug
"Got the distinct feeling that I was neither needed or wanted around. Can't ever seem to catch you outside the group, and the last dinner I was stood up."

"Don't be like that, Let's have dinner tomorrow and catch up. Give me a call when you get off of work."

Ignoring the growing feeling that I'm an idiot.
"OK, I'll give you a ring. Talk to you tomorrow."

The next day

"My friends want to join us, but they don't get off till late. Can we move things around?"

Yep, should have listened to that feeling

Surreal moments

Every now and then the everyday world throws you a curve ball. Not a good or a bad moment, just something really odd. A few weeks ago I had one, when I heard a Buddhist monk singing Frank Sinatra's "My Way". Today's kinda blew that one out of the water.

I was exiting the convenience store on base when I heard music. It was a kind of John Williams, climatic battle of a movie, classical piece (turns out the base band was practicing on the other side of the building). Turning towards the sound, I see a soldier with a similar odd look on his face.

"So, ever get the feeling you were about to join in an epic battle between good and evil?"

He gives me a quick nod and replies:

"Yeah, I really hope we're the good guys."

Now that's funny

Sometimes the universe has a great sense of humor. This particular story had me rolling, Free Tibet flags made in China. On a side note, my much ignored photo blog has had an update.

Tomorrow and Today

Tomorrow I have a fight, not one in a physical sense, but a fight to stay in my current job role. Tomorrow I have to convince people that they need my expertise, and that if I leave they can not afford to replace me. Tomorrow I have to play politician.

Today I have a fight, one of choices and consequences. Today I have to convince people that there is right and wrong. Today I have to play knight.

Maybe the day after tomorrow, I'll get to play me.

Getting too old for this crowd

"So why wasn't she at the wedding?"
"Dunno tried calling her, but her phone is off."
"Well, she went under pretty hard last night."

The temperature of the coffee shop drops.

"I'm sorry what? When I left last night she was going to be following me so she could go to the wedding."
"We kinda forced her to play drinking games."
"Why the hell would you do that?"

The question is soft, but has the stopping power of a train.
"We needed someone to do the trivia challenges."
"You had eight people at the table, and she did them all?"

The edge in my voice seems to be noticeable enough that the non English speaking people in the coffee shop are edging away from my table.

"Umm... Yeah well, we didn't want to be shot for the wedding, and I didn't want my sister and her boyfriend to do it."

"I see... so instead you make her do them all. The same girl who was trying to stay away from all the drinking. Good looking out for your friend there."

This really bothers me, the fact that it happened and the fact that I seem to be the only one bothered by it.

Doing things legally

Anyone watching the Main Steam Media, is inundated with how easy firearms are to get in the US. I would like to know where these revolving door gun shops are, I have yet to see one. It would save me time and money.

While I was home on vacation I started the process of getting my firearms license renewed. Most people who have never gone through the legal process of this probably think it is quick and easy. Those of us who take the time to "Legally" purchase and carry a firearm know the truth. Keep in mind, this is just for the renewal.

It starts off with a visit to the county probate judge, for me this was a half hour drive. After waiting in line you are given a form to fill out, this form is about 10 pages and gives the state permission to do a complete background check on you (also if you enter any false information on the form and it is found, that is a federal offense). You are fingerprinted, and then have to pay a license fee. From there you are sent to the county sheriff's office where you have to fill out another set of forms and pay another license fee, and from there it is to the county jail. At the county jail, there is yet another form and you are finger printed one more time. Total time spent was the better part of the day. As I type this I don't have the license yet since my background check is still being conducted by both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and my state's Bureau of Investigation. You would think that a background check on a veteran, with no legal or mental problems would go quick.

This process varies from state to state, but mine is one of the easier ones to get a license in. I am not complaining about the time or effort, I am quite glad that so much attention is being paid to who will have the option to carry a firearm. I am just fed up with how the media portrays the issue.

Bachelor skills

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Grains of sand

Whew, finally got time to sit down and make a post. Between being home and catching back up with things not that I'm back, barely had time to breathe. It's amazing how being completely swamped makes the time fly.

Snapshots 2

I am currently back home in Georgia for some vacation time. It's been 8 months since I have been here. It is amazing how much things change in 8 months. The infant who was sitting in her carrier, gurgling and laughing, is now crawling and trying to talk and stand. Where an old friend used to sit is now empty, with only the regret of not being able to say goodbye. A kid I watched grow up, is now expecting his first child. Familiar faces carry a few more lines and a little more grey.

It's more than a little disconcerting to have such a familiar place seem so alien.

Vultures

"4000 dead milestone reached"

The words seem to echo through the cafeteria. The anchorman goes on with mock solemness, repeating the phrase and echoing how no progress is being made. A panel of "experts" comes on, and with smug self righteousness, explain how the conflict should never have been fought and how it is the fault of the current administration. The one dissenter on the panel, is quickly singled out and brow beaten into submission.

The temperature of the room drops. I glance at one of the soldiers sitting at the tables around me, his eyes locked on the television screen. Silence descends on the room, for a few seconds a pin drop would have been deafening. The muttering starts from the different tables.

"Are you kidding me?"

"Bet that guy has never seen the sand."

"Way to celebrate our deaths, bastards."

"Fuck them, they don't know a damn thing."

"Leave it to the media, nice to know how much they value us."

"Vultures."

Seems, a good many of the people actually doing their part don't hold a pessimistic view on Iraq. Then again they are not "Experts", they have only been there in the conflict. I find it sickening that the deaths of service members are being used for politics. How dare anyone tell them that their sacrifice has accomplished nothing. Damn all the politicians, experts, and reporters that try to cash in on the blood of these men and women.

Constitutional/Unconstitutional

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

The above passage is at the center of a major supreme court case at the moment. The way the justices rule will give pretty broad precedent to the way the United States Constitution is interpreted.

Washington D.C. has made it illegal to own a handgun or own a functional rifle or shotgun for the last 32 years. This measure was enacted in the belief that it would reduce/end violent crime, woefully it did not. The law in question is now before the Supreme Court of the United States, on the grounds that it violates the Constitution.

There is much argument over the meaning of the Second Amendment, whether it it provides the individual or the state militia to own firearms. My personal opinion is that it provides for the individual, the right of the People to keep and bear arms, Shall not be infringed. To me the Washington D.C. firearm ban, is completely unconstitutional.

It's going to be interesting to see how the court rules on this issue. It will also be interesting to see how this ruling affects rulings on the other amendments.

Back to home port

Well, just got finished with another adventure. This one took me to China to celebrate a friend's birthday. A good time was had by all, and I return to Korea laden with gifts for various friends here. Curious when my next adventure will be and where it will take me.

I also have changed my rule about not wondering what is in the food I am eating when abroad, of course this is after seeing the entree "Ox penis on a hot plate" on a Chinese menu. Yep, there are some parts of an animal that even us southern boys won't eat.

So be it

Let's see...
Steaks are marinating,
Potatoes are mashed,
Mushrooms are sliced and ready to be grilled,
Good bottle of wine,

Hmm... not here yet, lemme give her a call. No answer.

45 minutes later...

Lemme try again, no answer.

Fine, another mistake I'll not make again.

Best headline today

Study: Spanking May Lead to Risky Sex

Reealllyyy? And here I thought it was part of the risky sex.

Politics as usual

With the election coming up the question of "Is there anyone worth voting for?" comes to mind. Seems like every four years it gets worse. Mud slinging, hit pieces in the news, and all around childishness from both parties. Even the candidates themselves are lackluster. No real issues addressed just empty promises of "We'll do it better than them.". It would be a Godsend to see a candidate that actually had merit, rather then trying to decide which is the lesser of evils.

Blah day

One of those days at work. Don't wanna be here, and don't want to be bothered with the job. I think we all get days like that, but the day is over soon. As always I really want a beach, some rum, tropical temperatures, and crystal clear water. Oh to dream

New gadgets

Men love gadgets. Inside even the most stoic man is a little boy whose face lights up with glee as he surveys a new shiny gadget. The only time this is a problem is when the new toy is expensive and the little boy takes control. Hence the new television I currently possess.

Yep, gotta work on that impulse control.

Anticipation

Tomorrow she returns, as with all things there is more too it than I am saying. Regardless, right here and now all that matters is tomorrow I will once again look into winter blue eyes.

Bringing politics to the politicless...

Well, that was a fun explanation. Just spent the last hour explaining the differences in the US political scene to folks who have no base reference. Definitely one of those subjects that it is very difficult to explain with out putting your own bias to it.
This branched from one of my Koreans asking me who I would vote for in the Presidential election. They thought that it was Hillary running against Obama. Guess it shows the political leanings of mainstream media when people watching it for the first time get that impression. Personally I don't back either party, I feel that both have sold out the common man for the extremist backers. I would absolutely love to see a Constitutionalist party, but that is neither here nor there.
From there the conversation transitioned over to the differences between Capitalism, Socialism, and Communism. Let me tell you, explaining the difference between communism and socialism to people who speak only a smattering of English is loads of fun.

Self worth

Not really sure how to begin this one so I'll plunge right in. A friend of mine has been in a depression for a while, and it stems from how how she sees herself. She is a beautiful, intelligent, and selfless person. Everyone who knows her loves her almost instantly. Then came the boyfriend and the breakup. It had nothing to do with her, the guy was in it for the fun and left when he got tired (yep, big part of me wants to kick seven kinds of hell out of him). He has moved on, she is left in a deep depression (she fell really hard for him). Talking with her, she keeps wondering what she did wrong and what is wrong with her. This is a hard one, wish I had something to say or do that would help her. So for now guess I'll be the shoulder when she needs one (story of my life).

The ol' one finger salute

Well this little nugget got me riled this morning. So to the City Council of Berkley, I give to you the ol' one finger salute.
You don't want to join, no one's forcing you to. You want the recruiters out of your city, fine kick them out like a man.... Oh wait, that would make you lose some federal money. They leave on their own, then you lose nothing, eh?

Winter

Got the first sticking snow of the year last night. Way to cold for my taste. I believe I was created to be in a more tropical environment. Someplace with white sandy beaches, clear blue water, rum, and scantily clad women, oh to dream.

Drama magnet

I seem to be a drama magnet, Mia has commented on this many times. Another friend pointed out that my weakness is damsels in distress (or at least the severely damaged ones). With the exception of one (mentioned her more than a few times, and can't wait for her to get back) they may be right I never go looking for it, it just falls into my lap alot. Starting to think my guardian angels are sadists. So on with today's drama (cue soap opera theme).

What they say:
"She knows what she's getting into, we've had this talk. You can't save her, let her fall."
"She's not worth the effort."
"She does not care, why do you?"

I'm not too good at letting people fall, goes against something hard wired in me. I have no problem with people reaping what they sow, but standing by and watching a fall that a person may not recover from. Not sure if I can do that. I care for the same reason I fight, don't seem that anyone else will.

Hope

"I had a job interview back in Korea today. Hopefully will see you soon." These words appearing on my monitor lifted my spirits. The thought of looking into those winter blue eyes again renewed me.

Maybe, just maybe angels can appear twice.

Born to be down.

In a funk today, think a lot of it has to do with how I feel folks are beginning to see me. Seems that lately I've become the safety net. I'm the reliable one that is always there when needed, never really minded that before. Only problem is that that is all I am now, now all I get is everyone's problems and pain. No longer am I called when there is fun to be had, now I get called when there are problems. It gets old, and I am damn well tired.

Where to go, where to go?

Got 5 days off coming up, and I need to get out of Korea for that time. The wanderlust must be sated. Thinking of heading to Thailand or back to the Philippines, some place where I can lose myself for a few days. In a spot where I need to hang up the white knight armor and recharge. Thinking to lose myself in the world for a few days would be just what the doctor ordered.

Glorious sleep

Really did not want to get up this morning, had thirteen hours of sleep and wanted more. Just something about the cold winter mornings when you are wrapped up in a nice warm bed, that makes you want to stay there and hibernate. Cursed work strikes again.

Trust

One of the hangups from my sailor days is trust. When you are in the middle of the ocean, the only people who can help you are the people next to you. You may hate the guy you're working with, but you know when push comes to shove he'll have your back and you'll have his. That is why crews are so tight, these are the people who keep you alive. At sea these are the men and women who stand with you against the sea, and in port are the ones who get you back to the ship safely. They do it for you, and you do it for them.

People trust me here because they know I will not betray that trust. Lately had a friend here who has broken that trust, not just with me but with other people in our circle. He has apologized and seems sincere, but he has time and time again proven to be duplicitous. Can't tell if it's really him, or just another mind game. If I can't trust you, I have no use for you.

Trust is very strange thing, it can be freely given but once broken is very hard to regain.

normal

I love reading posts that get me to thinking (sometimes not a good thing, but hey whatcha gonna do?). The Exception did this today, Craving to be normal got my introspection going.

A normal life, not sure if there is such a beast, but it is attractive. Wife, 2 kids, family dog, little house in the suburbs would be something. Not sure I was cut out to be that, too much left to do and see. Granted if I was in that life, I would do everything I could to make sure my family was healthy and happy, but I don't think I would be me. I can't imagine doing the 9 to 5 for 40 years and one morning looking in the mirror and wondering who is staring back at me. To have never sailed the oceans or have walked the world, that would do something worse than kill me it would steal my soul.

It does get hard, there are times I look at "normal" people and go "God, I wish I was like that.". One day I will be, not today but one day. I find that this song captures it.

Wish you were here- Pink Floyd

So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell,
blue skies from pain.
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?
And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have we found? The same old fears.
Wish you were here.

Things I don't get

Lotta things in the world I just don't get, who knows could just be me.

Conforming to the latest fad. I don't really care if all the cool kids are doing it, it still looks stupid.

Believing the media. If it bleeds it leads, Nuff said.

Believing politicians. If you need this one explained, I got a bridge to sell you.

Cause Zealots. How the hell do you find time to protest things? Does your job give you that much time off?

Instructions on soda can pull tops. If you need instructions on how to drink a Coke, do you need to be breeding?

Famous activists. Just because you played the president in a movie, does not mean you know a damn thing about running a country. You are paid to entertain us, so shut up and act.

Drivers in Korea. After living in Korea for 2.5 years I can safely say you folks need to walk. (If you think I'm being racist saying this, come here and try driving. I dare you!)

Bush Derangement Syndrome. We get it, you don't like the man. Idiot cowboy or evil mastermind bent on world domination, pick one and stick to it. He can't be both. Nor is he responsible for every bad thing that happens.

Racism/Reverse racism. A friend of mine always says "Hating someone because of the color of their skin is stupid, get to know them and you'll find much better reasons to hate them.". Gotta admit that's pretty true. There is no such thing as reverse racism, it's racism. Hatred is hatred no matter how you slice it.

Socialized anything. It looks good on paper, but it does not work. Just like communism. Capitalism may be the unequal distribution of wealth, but Socialism is the equal distribution of poverty.

Anti-gun zealots. Owning a firearm does not automatically turn you into a blood crazed killer, nor will it magically cause all crime to vanish. If you don't want to own one, don't buy one.

Censorship. Almost all electrical devices today have this neat little on/off button. If you don't want to see what is being shown push that button.

Thinking about the children. If you don't want little Johnny playing the violent video game or watching the things on tv, you're the parent do the job and see above response to censorship.

Anti-religion fruitcakes. Congratulations you're an atheist, quit trying to force your beliefs on others. (side note: The belief in nothing is still a belief)

Religious fruitcakes. Congratulations you're religious, quit trying to force your beliefs on others. (side note: Faith is a beautiful thing, it can not be spread at the point of a sword.)

Just how I see a few things

Angels and demons

"Come on, show me what you got." The jeer hits home, it's been a long night I'm tired and more than a little angry. The coldness takes hold, it's been a long time in coming and I owe him this in spades. The world around me slows down, senses dulled by fatigue burst into high definition, muscles rejuvenate as adrenalin hits them. Our eyes lock, I see the overconfident swagger change to fear. In that instant he knows he went too far, and God help me, I want to prove him right. Winter blue eyes flash in my mind, she would be disappointed. She would understand, he has caused hurt to myself and those close to me, but she would be disappointed. She always thinks higher of me than I am, I have no wish to prove her wrong. A thousand miles away and she still holds sway. I stay my hand, turn and walk away. The world returns to normal speed, I smirk up to the night sky "Thanks dove, looks like you saved me again.".

Angels appear but once, but what they leave behind lasts.

Superiority, Moi?

The Recipe For seven seas

3 parts Enchantment 2 parts Brilliance 1 part Whimsy Splash of Superiority Limit yourself to one serving. This cocktail is strong!

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

I figured that there would be rum.

Randomness in the new year

Happy New Year's

Why is being the nice one never as fun as being the utter bastard?

Last night I watched a guy nearly break his own wrist trying to win a video game, some folks get way too competitive.

Why do bad pennies always show up, but angels appear but once?

Just watched a friend's relationship go from "I'll let her know I'm buying this." to "I'll see if she'll allow me to buy this.".

Always surprising when the "or else what" results, not in a fist fight, but in a phone call being made. Very sobering to realize, as a Sergent, you've just had a Colonel woken up at 3 am. This is why annoying the ex-sailor when drunk, after your curfew is a bad thing.

"She said you were a protector, we're gonna be great friends." This phrase marked the shortest time ever to get shifted in the "friend" category. ~sighs~ Preemptively placed in the friend slot, just can't win.

This brought me down. I am saddened greatly by Mr. Prachett's news.

What would you?

Seems that people are always ready to die for something. Dying for something is easy, all you have to do is give up. I think the real question is....

What would you Live for?

Christmas

Well it's Christmas time again, time for peace on earth and good will towards men. I hope that the holidays finds everyone doing well.
To all my brothers and sisters serving in the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, and Cost Guard be safe and you are in our hearts. Thank you for your sacrifice.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas
(or A Visit from St. Nicholas)
by Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.
And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
gave the lustre of midday to objects below,
when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came,
and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:

"Now Dasher! Now Dancer!
Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid!
On, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch!
To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away!
Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky
so up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Out comes the evil...

It starts off as it usually does, in a smoky bar. Conversations battle with each other and "Weezer" for dominance. The soft warmness brought on by rum has put me in mellow mood as I make my way to the bar. So far the evening has been good, dinner with a friend then down town for a few libations.
"There is a sad sight, a sailor with a empty glass."
I turn as a small glass of clear liquid is pressed into my empty hand. The smell of liquorice assails my nostrils, Sambuca. Nothing good can come of this.
"Dunno love, trying to keep it easy tonight. Besides you've never seen me when I drink this stuff."
She moves close, her breath hot against my ear.
"I heard it makes you evil, I wanna see..."

Korean Politics

This actually happened in the South Korean Parliament. It's scary when American politicians look mature by comparison.

Bit of the ol' randomness

They say it's a bad thing to hit someone with a closed fist, but at times it can be hilarious. -Mal Renolds- Firefly

In the two and a half years I've been in Korea, I have found out they care more about whose fault something is more than the actual problem.

It never ceases to amaze me how a person can be smart, but a group can be hands down stupid.

I have the firm belief that stupidity should be painful if not outright deadly.

Korean elections are coming up, it's refreshing to see that politicians here are just as corrupt as they are back home.

One of the those questions I never wanted to hear from another man. "So do you know where I can buy some leather chaps?" Why can't it be the gorgeous women that ask this of me? Would be more than happy to go as a consultant.

Flame throwers, while fun, can be as dangerous to the user are they are to the target. Grenades and rocket launchers fall under this heading as well. (Don't worry I discovered this in a video game, not in real life).

I miss my Wee Scottish Lass, funny that Korea seems more drab without a Scot.

On the upside, Korea seems devoid of mimes.

If a modern day Tom Sawyer has a mean mean stride, what does a modern day Huck Fin have?

Truth can be fun

"You're last name is Bacon? Wow, are you any relation to Kevin?" Here we go again, it amazes me how often I get to play this one out. "Yep, he's my uncle." I respond, my face deadpan, then return to my drink. "No way!! Kevin Bacon is not your uncle is he?" "Yep, Kevin is my father's younger brother." A small part of me wants to believe that people are not this gullible, the rest of me grins inwardly and wonders how far it will go this time. "Oh my God!! Could you introduce me?" I shrug "Sure, if you're ever in Georgia give a call and I'll take you by their house.". A flash of confusion "He has a house in Georgia?". "Yep, down by the river." A knowing glance "Ahh, must be in a upscale place. Hey guys, this guy is Kevin Bacon's nephew!"

Funny how it never occurs to folks that there is more than one Kevin Bacon in the world.

Demons

We all have our demons, part of what makes us human. The problem is when they start controlling you. It gets worse when you know what is happening and you do it anyway. Comes a time when you have to face your demons. Not something you can run from, nor is it something that someone else can do for you.

As much as I care, I can't do anything to help. You are facing an enemy I can't fight for you. This time you have to save yourself.

Ritual

The calmness settles over me, the world has been compressed to a small clear window surrounded by black. Through this window I watch a small black dot jump with every heartbeat. I feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, the smell of fresh cut grass fills the air. I feel the presence of my father standing slightly behind me to the left.
The dot has stopped jumping. Exhaling slowly, I squeeze the cool metal under my finger. Thunder rolls, across the field a small hole appears in the dot. "Oh yeah, it's on." I hear my father say, his voice muffled by the headphones over my ears.

The above is something me and my father have done for years. Every time I go home we spend quite a lot of time target shooting. When I am off walking the world, I miss it immensely. When I am home, there is nothing I would trade it for.

One of those nights....

"I've been seeing a therapist lately. I have a lot of anger problems, mainly wanting revenge on people I feel have wronged me." -My date Thursday night (no joke)

Yet another reason I hate blind dates. Needless to say, got the hell out of Dodge quickly! I don't think there will be a second date.

In the funk...

In a bit of a mood lately. Just can't be bothered to give a damn about most things. No particular reason why, just in a funk. Think it's my mind's way of telling me that there needs to be a change, or could just be that I'm tired of this place and the wanderlust needs to be obeyed. Really don't know, I'll be back to normal in a couple days. On the bright side for once it's not over a woman (just because I know you're reading Mia :P)

Give it a rest

I know that I have ranted about the media many times before, but what can I say they keep spinning me up. It's no wonder that the world thinks the American people are stupid, watch the evening news. This is what most of the world sees and thinks we are about. Take a look at some of today's headlines from Fox News and CNN.

Let's see:
Death - Check
Fear mongering - Check
Politicians bickering like children - Check
Cheap shot at the political right - Check
Cheap shot at the president - Check
Cheap shot at Christians - Check
How great the Clintons are - Check
Meaningless tripe about Brittney Spears - Check
Meaningless tripe about Paris Hilton - Check
Random non-Brittney/non-Paris star supporting a cause - Check

All that is missing is global warming being blamed for some new problem. Seems like this is all we get any more, and this is all the rest of the world sees of us. Looking at the media's picture of the US you see a grim, violent place. A place where you can't even do yard work without ending up in a wood chipper. A place where valiant liberals fight against the corrupt and evil conservative Christians. A place where the public cares more about Brittney's bad parenting and Paris's spat with a greeting card company than they do about what is happening in the rest of the world.

It would be great to see the news channels actually report some news.

Unbowed

Muscles burn with fatigue, hearts race, lungs threaten to burst. Like kittens at play the two figures roll and tumble across the floor. The smaller of the two alternates between attack and escape, the larger seeking to restrain and entrap. The smaller fights with the speed and raw instinct. The larger moves in the calm methodical manner of experience. Both are grinning.
The exchange continues, the fondue, wine, and other guests all but forgotten. Finally a mistake is made, the smaller tries to overpower the larger. Limbs are entangled, and the smaller finds herself trapped and the air slowly squeezed from her lungs. It's over.

I lay on the floor panting, her head on my chest. I can feel her heart pounding as the adrenaline is washed from her body. One of the other guests peeks around the corner shyly, seeing the trashed bedroom. "Ummm... you two ok?" I smirk "Never better.". Her head raises and she looks at him "Yeah, he kicked my ass, but I never gave in. The bastard knows he was in a fight." "Aye dove, we'll make a fighter of you yet."

The second time

This morning was the second time I had to say goodbye to you.
The second time I had to leave for work and know you would not be there when I got home.
The second time I have had to feel that emptiness where you used to be.
The second time I had to look into your winter blue eyes and pretend to be strong.

Snakes in the grass

Never had much truck with politics. I really don't have the mindset for it. Many of my current problems are stemming from people playing political games. I am paid to do a job, I do it and I do it well. My customer is happy, I make my company lots of money (of which I see very little). It irks me that to cover their own ass, people twist the meaning of my words to imply that I am to blame for things that I have no control over.

If you are unclear on something that I have written or said, ask me to clarify it. Jumping up and down and point you finger while shouting "He said this.", only serves to put me in a bad mood. It also tends to have me talk to the site supervisor who you have just bypassed, and have him go to the program vice president and lodge a formal complaint.

Heros

A buzz tingles my leg, distracting me from the lecture on laser dynamics I am giving. Mentally cursing I pull the small black annoyance out of my pocket, looking at the glowing screen I see "Where have all the heroes gone?". Ten Koreans look at me anxiously as I stare at the little phone dumbfounded.

Not sure where the heroes have gone, we seem to have killed them with lawyers and forced mediocrity. Fear of lawsuits keep many people from helping others when they can. The continued culling of personal responsibility keeps everyone in the "It's not my problem." warm fuzziness. Bit of a sad state we are falling into.

I remember my grandfather, a simple man. He was not what people would call an educated man, nor was he a rich man. He was born in a small town in Georgia, and with the exception of being drafted into WWII, lived there his whole life. You will never see his name in the history books, but he is who I have always thought of as a hero. He was a truly selfless person, he would give you his last possession if you needed it. He would sacrifice everything without thinking of repayment or any type of personal gain. He cared about people, and made time for them because is who he was. He was a good man, not by trying to be one, but just by being one.

To me that is a hero.

Remembering to breathe

Been ignoring my blog of late, not intentional, but with everything going on something had to give. For the last month or so I've been getting hit from all sides at once, and things have been escalating as of late. I'm hoping that things will calm down soon and I can get back to the task of simply being me. I'll be posting as time and mental state allow.

Catching a breath...

Been quite brutal lately, been in limbo waiting to see if I stay or leave Korea. Added to this I have had money woes, lease problems, and most importantly a friend in the hospital. It has been a very long month, but things seem finally be on the mend. Friday I fly to spend a couple weeks with the family, and I get to meet my newest niece. Looking forward to a bit of a break, will be nice to have a chance to catch my breath.

Fair

Fair.... Seems like a simple enough word, not sure that it has meaning in real life. Last night had a friend tell me about her weekend. Seems a good friend to the both of us is in a bad way, and will be going under the knife.

Fair... Is it fair that these things happen? Is it fair that there is pain in they eyes of people I care about? Is it fair that I can do nothing but pray?


I was once told that life is full of sorrows and that every moment of joy is a treasure. Is it fair that this truth no longer comforts me?

Tunnel vision

Two guards, chatting, blissfully unaware that they are being observed. I sight in, the cross hairs finding the first guard. I wait for the shot, my finger resting lightly on the composite trigger. The cross hairs give a small jump with every heartbeat, I change my breathing to steady it out. There it is, a loud report splits the night, as the first guard falls. I quickly sight in the second one before he can recover from the surprise of the first shot, A second shot rings out. As the second guard falls, I see a bright flash and every thing goes black.


YOU HAVE DIED!!!!

Continue? yes/no



Doh, glad I saved. These video games are getting too realistic.

Posers

You've seen them before, people who pretend to be something they aren't so they can fit in. The hard core rapper wanna be who would wet himself if he ever was in the ghetto. The activist that jumps from issue to issue depending on the cause of the week. These people have always rubbed me the wrong way, something about the inherent lack of confidence. I don't see what is so hard about being yourself.

Ghosting

I feel like I'm in between worlds at the moment. Caught between Korea and the United States. In just under ten days I leave Korea, possibly for good, to head back to the States. I really don't want to go back yet, but have no choice in the matter. Right now I am in two worlds, and belong to neither.

Beat down and more than a little irate...

Know I have been lax in posting recently. With all the confusion and chaos going on with my staying/leaving Korea, been burning the candle at both ends. So far I have learned that yes I may stay or go. I'm getting no support from my parent company, who refuses to release moving funds until they absolutely have to. It also seems that the people who decide about my contract could not pull their collective heads out of their asses with a tow truck. Hopefully things will be sorted soon and can get back to having a life.

33 years....

33 years, I now have a year for ever country I have visited. Guess I need to visit a couple more before next year.

Stressed

Pretty stressed out at the moment. Waiting to see if my contract in Korea is getting extended. The Koreans say they want to keep me, but are haggling over price. The first deadline was the August 1st, after negotiations the new deadline is the 15th. If no extension goes through, I fly out September 1st. This means my entire life is on hold waiting for a decision. Now I have to start setting up a move, schedule a flight home, find a new job, and a place to live all of which will have to be able to be canceled at a moment's notice.

I need some rum

Sudden storm

It starts off with a few fat drops of rain falling from swollen dark clouds. Nothing to worry about keep going. Then the bottom falls out. Sheets of rain and hail come, the wind howls. A bright flash, and the peal of thunder reminds me that we are in the middle of a river on a rubber raft holding metal oars. A broad grin splits my face as I look at my companions, more than one wants to head for shore and wait the storm out. Our guide pushes us forward, wearing a grin matching mine.

Life is short, live it while you can.

I want to be evil...

After watching the new Harry Potter movie, I want to be evil. Not due to any wish for world domination or the need to foil some meddling kids, no evil just has the best wardrobe. Seems that with the whole call of darkness comes fashion sense.

Tomorrow...

I look down at my watch and wince, time to make a discreet exit. Drifting towards the door, my farewells are met with hugs, handshakes, and the offer of more libations. As usual discreet has gone out the window.

"It's not that late you could stay a bit longer."

I look down into deep dark eyes, it's a fight not to drown in them. The rest of the bar fades into nothingness, the clean crispness of her scent cuts through the smell of smoke and alcohol. In the back of my mind something primal feels the warmth of her nearness and hungers.

"Afraid I have to, us old timers need our beauty sleep. Not all of us are as blessed as you."

I grin mischievously, still trapped by her eyes. A coy smile graces me.

"Call me tomorrow?"

"My word on it."

Her eyes close, releasing me. I feel the heat of her breath on my cheek. Our lips meet as the world drops away.

Who knows what tomorrow holds? I can't wait to find out.

Too many goodbyes...

Been saying too many goodbyes lately. It is the nature of this business that people come and go, that dose not make it easy. I've never been the most sociable of persons, so when I have to say goodbye to a friend it leaves a icy void where someone should be. This morning I said it again.

Things started off with the intervening hand of Murphy's law.

"Morning... What time is your train?"
" 6:59..."

Things kick into high gear as realization kicks in.

"Darlin, it's 6:30. Get up and get dressed, we gotta go!!!"
"None of my alarms went off, how does this happen?"
Fumbling on a pair of socks "Don't worry bout that now, we gotta move."

6:34
A small black car, revs and speeds out of an apartment complex.

6:40
The small black car weaves through city traffic at break neck speeds.

6:45
The driver of the small black car curses vehemently at a traffic light, in multiple languages.

6:50
The small black car screeches to a halt in front of the Taegu Train station. A large dark haired man grabs a suitcase and sprints for the lobby, followed closely by a petite blond woman.

6:57
The man hands the suitcase up to the woman as the train door closes.

I watch the train door close and feel the coldness of a new void. I'm sure we'll meet again, the world is a small place.

Fair winds and following seas, Dove. I'll miss you.

White knight redux...

I don't think I'll ever understand the motives of many people. To see someone in trouble or pain and not help them, bit of an alien concept to me. Even if I truly hate a person, I'll help them if they are in need.
Here recently a person I know has been in a bad place. Not only did their "friends" not lend a hand, but some tried to take advantage of the situation. I just don't get it.

Truths from the weekend.....

Been a strange and eventful weekend, learned some truths (some good some bad) and had way too much fun.
Started Friday night in the Shisha (hooka) bar. Love this place, mellow and relaxing. Nothing like kicking back, drinking wine, and smoking the hooka. During the chitchat I learned some truths about some folks, and feel the fool for trusting them. On the plus side learned one friend is completely trustworthy.


Then off to the mud festival, a total blast. Imagine, if you will, THOUSANDS of westerners and Koreans getting together for drinking and playing in the mud. Some of the truths from revealed here were:

I am cursed to have a farmers tan. 2 days of sun, and my legs and trunk are still way too white. On the plus side I apparently don't burn either.

If you are a 98 pound man there are things you don't do. One of them is to lay claim to a patch of public beach during a festival to set up umbrellas that people can pay to sit under. If you do this and then try to kick a lot (600+) of drunken partying folks off of it, you do not start with the large group of drunken G.I.s.

During such a festival as this, if the stores near the beach sell fireworks they will be used on the beach. Drunk westerners will shoot roman candles at any thing/body. Trying to stop these things from happening is unwise at best.

No beach should be without rum or tequila. Soju and Makali (Korean booze) just doesn't do the job.

At no time should you bring any small dogs to an occasion as this, especially if you have dyed their ears and tail different colors (don't ask, it is a fashion statement here).

All in all a good time was had

EDIT: posted some of the pictures from the fest on my photo-blog

There are no uppercuts in Salsa....

"Forward on the left foot, back on the right. Feel the rhythm."

This mantra repeats in my head, as I try to ape the smooth movements of my teacher. The tempo of the music is contagious.
"OK, man you're doing good. Now remember that your dance partner will be moving with you, so keep the timing. If you loose it, someone is gonna get stepped on."
Part of me is glad that I decided to get some basics before heading to the salsa club, the other side wants to jump right into the mix and learn by doing.

"Forward on the left foot, back on the right. Feel the rhythm."

Concentrating on my feet, my arms are left to their own accord.
"Dude, um... I don't think you're gonna be blocking punches."
Looking down I see my arms have gone into a defensive position, the foot work is similar enough to a martial arts form that muscle memory has taken over. ~sigh~ Now all of me is glad that I got some basics first.


"Forward on the left foot, back on the right. Feel the rhythm. No uppercuts."

The things I do to impress women.

Randomness

Bit of a random day today, my mind is pinging all over the place. The rainy day outside has me bored and restless, not a good mood to be in at work. Some randomness of the day so far:

If I can not tell you some information because it will violate a contract, asking the guy beside me will net you the same answer.

The creator of the cell phone will be both loved and despised throughout history.

Subjecting your coworkers to the smell of Corn nuts in a small office should be punishable by a severe beating. Loudly crunching them and smacking you lips while you eat said snack food, should be grounds for a violent painful death.

It costs nothing to be polite. When a engineer flies across the world to help you, and after 2 minutes of conversation you make a comment about her chest is not a good way to keep goodwill up and running. This also has the added effect of making the large technician beside her irate (yours truly), and can involve very pointed words when she is out of earshot.

Why are the stupid ones always put in to management positions?

Lunch really needs to hurry up and get here.

Rose colored glasses...

"How can you support the war? People are dying. I hate war!"
Bright blue eyes burn with the righteousness of a zealot.
"All good people hate war, but at times it is necessary. Trust me when I say that people who have stood and fought hate war more than you will ever understand."
"War is never necessary, too many people are dying."
"What about World War 2 was that necessary? More people died on D-Day, than have died in Iraq. That's just one day."
The righteousness falters for a second, then come bright even brighter.
"Even that one shouldn't have happened, war is never necessary. If I had my way people would just be nice to each other."

Sadly enough I was not talking to a child, this is from a young woman working on her masters in "Socio Economic Design and Construction". Yet another reason that fanatics are dangerous. Truth be known, I wish everyone could just be nice to each other. Alas I don't think human nature allows for that.

Surpise

He's younger than me, faster than me, his eyes burning with fire. His country,his studio, his students and countrymen cheering him on. We lock eyes and I see it, that moment of surprise as fire meets ice. He has lost.
His attack comes with only the slightest tell, but that is enough. The kick that should have taken my head off finds empty air, and I am upon him. Chain punches rain down on him as tries to understand how I got so close. In a panic he tries to back away only to find his foot won't rise as mine has it pinned. He jerks his foot back as I release it and give him a slight nudge, the rest of the studio has gone quiet as their teacher flies off his feet.
With a grin I strip the padded gloves off and offer him a hand up.

My nature...

"You don't have to take every one's problems on your shoulders."
"I don't know, his shoulders are pretty big."
A deft smirk flashes
"I work out, and it's my nature."

How many can claim that they truly know their true nature?

What happens when two sides of your nature come into conflict?

"gnothi seauton" or "Know thyself" was inscribed in the pronaos of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. At times I don't know if I truly do, and others I think I know myself too well. I suppose this lumps me in with the rest of humanity, scary thought.