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Showing posts from November, 2013

Korea--theory versus reality

Korea in theory: Smile Korea Korea in reality: The beatings will continue until morale improves Korea Herald--serious news & columnists, business focused, your grandfather's newspaper Korea Times--Kpop columns, news lifted from urban legends sites, your grandfather is having sex with your teenage cousin's best friend. Weather in theory: 4 seasons year around Weather in reality: 4 seasons--every day. Education in theory: Schools should become child-centered. Education reality: National entrance exam Outlook in theory: Shaping the Future with Korea Reality: Checklist country Economy in theory: Creative economy Reality: Checklist country Hope: Carpe Diem Reality: Checklist country National branding slogan: Dynamic Korea Reality: Korea Fighting

That's like a negative bonus?

In doing some reading, I came across a funny term in economics: "Negative subsidy." It sounds like a joke, but some smart and powerful people take it very seriously. In actual language, it is a tax or fine. But smart people use such stupid language to hide what they really mean. It is the kind of term that people would ignore in every day life, but in the make-believe land of politics and planning, such make-believe terms are taken seriously. And because people with power take the term seriously, you also need to take it seriously if they target you. * * * Employee: Boss, I'm a bit surprised. According to this document, I am not receiving a bonus this year. Boss: Let me take a look....Hmm... Employee: In fact, it says I am being penalized $100. What is that? Boss: Don't think of it as a penalty. You are receiving a negative bonus this year.

The only thing I like about Tigers is Frosted Flakes

If I ever work at a zoo, you can be sure that 1) I would have a weapon 2) would it have it drawn on any animals that needed to be locked in cages for the protection of the public and employees 3) that I would be known as the trigger-happy employee who was ready to shoot at any moment because he didn't trust his idiot co-workers to properly close the cages. * * * I'm thinking about this because a Siberian tiger at a zoo in Seoul briefly escaped from its unlocked cage, and it then did what tigers do--it attacked. The unfortunate person was a 52 year old trainer named Shim who is now in a coma. I suppose after this that, assuming he survives, that he will never try to feed a tiger without confirming that the cage is locked. And he will probably take tips from me. From the Korea Times : A Seoul City official said he presumed the injured trainer failed to lock the gate of the cage while preparing for morning feeding. Of course, there is no way that I would ever work a

Obama's credibility is going, going, gone!

The Economist gives some tips about how Obama can get his credibility back. It is hard for a liar to get credibility back. Of course, it is possible that Obama can reverse things by finding a new scapegoat to blame his lies on or by finding a good way to blame Republicans. His truest of true believers will continue to stand by him, no matter what, especially those who support the policy. And except for the loyal opposition, citizens want to believe the nation's leader. I'm skeptical, however, that Obama will be able to "get his credibility back." There is reason to believe that things will get worse, not better. A video showing some of the many times Obama saying, without any qualifiers, that people can keep their health care plans. Like a crooked car salesman, he is now trying to explain why the broken-down car that fell apart within a week is actually working just fine. 1) REALITY: It has been said that the worst thing that can happen to an idea is t

Random Saturday thoughts: Trade, Travel, Heisman

As I wrote in the  Korea Times , citing Paul Fussell, there are three kinds of people who travel: Tourists, travelers, and explorers. Briefly, tourists stick to the familiar. Travelers get somewhat involved in the local culture. Explorers dive right in, often “going native.” (I confess to being a traveler. I have been mistaken as being an explorer, although “unorganized” is more accurate.) Travel writer Amy Gray Today's Korea Herald has a piece  extolling the virtues of traveling solo . The article quotes travel writer Amy Gray and travel lover Han Hye-jin at length. They are talking about explorers. Tourists wouldn't know how to travel alone--at least, not for long! They'd be on the phone, threatening their tour guides for putting them in danger. Travelers may give it a try, but the idea of just going it alone, bouncing around, doesn't provide them with enough structure. * * * In a commentary in yesterday's Korea Times, Shomi Kim  reminds us that Ko

"When a fire is lit in the heart"--North Korean male refugees speak out

An estimated 70% of the North Korean refugees coming to South Korea are women. Why are so few men escaping North Korea and arriving in South Korea? What are their lives like in North Korea--and once they have escaped. On December 7, will hear , as they address those and other questions.   FAQ (subject to be updated based on questions) DRESS CODE? Business casual. No one knows exactly what business casual means, so my personal definition is: "Dress the way your mother would approve." That means you can choose: Business Casual, or Business Clown. Either way, welcome! LOCATION? The session will be held at the Seoul Global Center, at the Jonggak Subway Station, line 1, exit 6. From exit 6, walk for about 30 seconds, you will see the building on your left. I visited the location today, checked out the room, took photos, checked the address and directions. PAYMENT--RSVP FOR SEAT? Space is limited. To reserve a seat in advance--and by that, I mean an assigned seat, just in case

2013-11-02 Matching NK Teachers

We had a delightful session matching North Korean adult refugees with some wonderful volunteers willing to tutor them. In late September, s ome of the former teachers from North Korea took me out for my birthday . In passing, I asked if they would like to be matched with English teachers. Definitely!!!! Last Saturday, 3 of the 5 who had promised to be there did show up. We asked everyone present to introduce themselves. One of the ladies reminded me why I first started matching North Korean adult refugees as she discussed her struggle with learning English. My colleague Eunkoo Lee has been my secret weapon, we have matched about 50 North Korean refugees and volunteer English teachers this year. Some of the matches have remained intact, others have ended for a variety of reasons.  We are hoping the matches can last at least 3 months. At that time, we will review, encourage them to switch up or to find another way to keep the matches fresh. Thanks to the volunteer