Gold Miss in English

Just before I left the Motherland, my cousin VP got me hooked on SBS' Gold Miss, a Sunday night variety program, featuring six Korean celebrity bachelorettes on the quest for love. "Gold miss" is a Korean Engrish play on "old miss" or what some knuckleheads would term as a "spinster."

Next week's episode features Hugh Jackman and Daniel Henney. (I know. Hotness!) In order to determine which of the Gold Misses are to meet the dashing duo, the ladies had to complete an assigned mission during their dates with English speaking men.

The results are pretty hilarious.
Those Gold Misses are adorable. I'd totally hang out with them.

Thanks to KmovieForYou the entire English Date episode is available on youtube -- with English subtitles!





The Daniel Henney & Hugh Jackman Episode Preview

Homeland Homies

Hello, Internet! I know that it's been awhile... but I'm still on vacation in the Homeland. My high school friends from the Island flew out to Cali for a bit of a mini-reunion. Despite me being a terrible tour guide, we still managed to have a lot of fun.

I'm working on compiling a video of all our adventures, but here a few polaroids for you to gawk at it. Aren't my friends cute? :)

I know that you're tired of this song, but you don't want to miss this remake...

You've probably seen the Thriller remake by the inmates at CPDRC, a prison in the Philippines, but did you know that they also performed "Nobody" by the Wonder Girls? I'm all for prisons encouraging productive behavior, but I don't think prison should be this fun.

I can just imagine the warden's face at the end-of-year budget meeting: "We spent how much on polka dot dresses and knee-highs!?!"

Without further ado, here are the five most popular inmates at CPDRC performing "Nobody."
(Thanks to Cyndi for the link!)

Annalog's Favorite Things List

I've been busy trying to work on all my curriculum R&D before I leave for Cali in APRIL!!!! (I'll be there for a month). I should be making discussion questions, but I've decided to take a break and do my weekly post.

So, I've decided to post My Favorites Things List ala Oprah Winfrey, except I'm not giving away any free cars or anything. Okay, okay. How about an mp3? (See the end of the post)

Here's my list in no particular order.
My Favorite Things: April 2009

1. Dramabean's recaps of Boys Over Flowers.
It's difficult for me to watch an entire episode of Boys Over Flower without wanting to gouge my ears or eyes out, but I still NEED to know what's happening! I swear. It's like some sick disease.









2. Criminal Minds. Channel CGV. Mon-Fri @ 9 pm ("New" episodes air Mon & Tues)
I never watched this show while I was in the Homeland, but thanks to Cousin VP, I'm now addicted. That show is FRIGHTening, yet highly fascinating. Now I can't help but look at every strange looking ajusshi without profiling him as a potential psycho.







3. The Epik High blogs at MapTheSoul.Com
Epik High is still one of my favorite Korean groups. This month, they're preparing to release a book/album package directly to their fans, without a third party distributor. Bold move, Epik High. You can follow their progress and gawk at their personal photos at the Map The Soul website.

4. Cledor Blueberry Ice Cream
Other than the cheap ice cream cones, I haven't really found Korean ice cream to my liking. But, never one to turn down a sample at eMart, I tried a spoonful of Cledor's blueberry ice cream and was immediately hooked. I really liked the combo of frozen blueberries and the yogurty vanilla ice cream. If you buy a carton a eMart, they'll pack it in an adorable styrofoam cooler, custom-made for the ice cream container. Cledor's strawberry cheesecake ice cream is also pretty yummy.








5. My new Samsung Anycall SCH-W410 mobile phone.
I know that my "new" Anycall phone has been on the market for awhile now, but if you saw the phone I've been carrying around for the past year and a half, you would agree that my new Anycall phone is a major upgrade. Being anti-social and all, I don't really use or care about mobile phones (even though I sometime covet an Ice Cream phone), but when our Kwajang-nim (Office Manager) told me that SK Telecom is currently offering free phones, I decided to switch over from Show to SK. I had two pay 70,000 won for the activiation fee, but I didn't mind because my Anycall is awesome. My phone includes a English/Korean dictionary and a subway map! I know. I know. These days, that's like being excited that my laptop has WiFi access and a DVD player, but I'm excited nonetheless. It's like I was living in the Dark Ages, yo. Now, all I have to do is figure out how to set up my caller ring (Heng?).


6. 세바귀 (Sebakwi) MBC
Between the Criminal Minds and the ice cream, I know that I'm starting to sound like a tired, old ajumma (no offense to ajummas), but I'll go ahead and mention my favorite Korean variety show of the moment: 세바귀, a celebrity quiz show that's part of MBC's Sunday night lineup. I can't even understand half of the banter, but I still find myself laughing out loud.



7.8eight's Golden Age

I've been enjoying kpop trio, 8eight's latest album, which I downloaded from this awesome livejournal, 영원히.

8eight - Golden Age








8.Last but not least, my favorite song of the moment is "My Love" by The Bird and The Bee.

[Download Link]

동대문 종합시장: The Mood of Project Runway Korea

I know. I know. It's been a long while.

I've been working a lot. Essentially working Mon - Sun for the coolest little hagwon in Seoul. It's a project of love (I know. Sounds mind boggling, but it's true). I haven't be going about town as much as I used to, and when I do, I don't feel like taking out my camera. Basically, what I'm trying to say is, this blog will continue to be a little boring, but I will try to make an effort to blog at least once a week.

A few weeks ago, I accompanied my cousin N to 동대문 종합시장 (Dongdaemun Chonghap-shijang). It's a textile market, so I never would have thought to check it out. Fortunately, my cousin needed to pick up some fabric and knitting material, so I tagged along.

If you're into sewing, knitting, or like me, are just really into Project Runway, you need to check out 동대문 종합시장, the "Mood" of Project Runway Korea.


















I can barely sew a button, but I love looking at fabric, ribbons, and other design accessories. It's strange, I know. It's truly a sight to see all of these stalls bursting with beautifully colored textiles and other crafty knickknacks. In addition to textiles, you will find stalls selling handmade jewelry, ribbons, costumes, and housewares. It's pretty awesome to have all of those vendors in one complex. You can even purchase fabric from one stall, then find a seamstress a few stalls down who will make you custom curtains.

It's a bit of a maze, as most Dongdaemun markets are, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. I'm always amazed how Korean shopkeepers manage to stay afloat with such side-by-side competition, but from the consumer's standpoint, it's great to have all those options.

I captured a few pictures if you need visuals.

(By the way, if you're digging my "polaroids" you should download the Poladroid: "The easiest and funnest Polaroid Maker."

Spring Fashion in the Motherland

If you're like me and enjoy looking at pictures of fashionable people that are not models, you might want to pick up the March issue of Vogue Girl Korea. This month's issue comes with a special compilation of street fashion featuring the photos of Jak & Jill.

I usually save Korean fashion magazines for when I'm getting my hair done, but I do occasionally pick up Vogue Girl for their features on Korean fashion. I particularly like a section called "Fashion Blender" which I suspect is an advertorial (basically advertisements for various Korean "shopping malls"), that offers a nice glimpse of the trends in Korean fashion for young women.

I like the styling in Korean "shopping malls", i.e., online boutiques. They look like someone's fashion blog. I find photos very appealing. Here are a few online stores that have caught my attention:
http://www.c-chouette.co.kr/
http://www.love-k.co.kr/
http://www.ssilu.com/
http://pastar.co.kr/
http://www.pinkmelody.com/












Speaking of fashion, I'm sure you want to know what's hot right now.
photo source for tulle skirt, photo source for everything else

Ribbon Headbands (Very Gossip Girl)


















Headbands with Feathers and Other Bedazzled Goodies


















Ballet Flats


















Ballet Flats with Large Floral Ornaments


















Fake Pearls


















Tulle Skirts


















Okay, you got me. These aren't the hottest trends per se; just the trend items that I like (In fact, I have that exact skirt in the polaroid above, only I paid more in Dongdaemun. Aish!). My personal tastes aside, the ballet girl/ princess look seems to be a big trend for the spring. The Alexander Wang look (black-gray-white color scheme, black leggings, blazers, leather accessories, and sky-high heels) also seems to be another prominent trend, though not my cup of tea.

Oh, look at me advising people on fashion. Hehehe.

Okay, now back to educating young minds...

"It's Better"

I went to E-mart last week and was surprised to find that American beef had finally hit the chain stores.

I don't know if you can see the sticker at the top left corner of the package, but the slogan reads, "It's better."














Come on now, American beef industry.
You had folks in Korea demonstrating for nearly a year over the importation of American beef (amongst other things), and your reply to Korean consumers is: It's better!?!

I'm American, and even I'm offended.
Buzz words like "Well-being", "Organic", or "Skin Whitening" are effective, not "It's better."

In my opinion, the packages of American beef looked much more fatty and unappealing than the Hoju beef in the adjoining cooler.

Let's forget about American beef, and focus on importing some other American goods, like Captain Crunch or Funyuns.

Mouse without a Tail

불면증 - 다이내믹 듀오 (ft.바비킴)
"Insomnia" - Dynamic Duo (ft. Bobby Kim)

Most Korean music videos fall under one of these categories:

- Justin Timberlake Rehashed
- Hearts + Lollipops + Mini Skirts
- Rainy & Melodramatic
- Photo Slideshow
- BLING BLING BLING

As much as I love Korean MVs, they can be a little predictable. Recently, however, I came across the MV for 불면증 by 다이내믹 듀오 (ft.바비킴). I was taken with the stop-motion animation entitled "Mouse Without A Tail" about a Mouse that runs a computer mouse and his lonesome life of soju and drudgery.

Check it out if you're interested:

Cafe Candids

I met up with Heng a couple of weekends ago. She took me to a cafe in Sangsu (Hongdae-ish area) where we had coffee and choco-banana muffins from the back of an old Volkswagen van.

I love kitschy Korean cafes.



This muffin was so darn good.



















The barista works from inside the van.


















Heng is so pro at posing. I need to learn from her.

Hwa-dong

I've been to Samcheong-dong a few times, but have mostly stuck to the main street. I didn't realize there was anything to look at along the side streets until my cousin took me to Hwa-dong, a small neighborhood just off of Hwagae-Gil (화개길), towards the palace-end.

Turn right at the police station and you'll find a narrow street crammed with adorable cafes and over-priced boutiques. My cousin N. told me that much of the merchandise is "handmade", so stores may be pricier than average.

While in Hwa-dong, we stopped in a cafe called ICESAND. In addition to the usual coffee shop essentials, ICESAND offers an interesting selection of ice cream/yogurt sandwiches that are good to share. I recommend the Rainbow (Something Something) Sandwich, a super-sized macaron, filled with tart frozen yogurt.




































The ice cream is great and all, but the real reason to hang out at ICESAND is their selection of fashion magazines -- in English! If you've been dying to spend a mindless afternoon, sifting through some fashion magazines, but not pay the high import fee, then you may want to check out ICESAND. Vogue, Cosmo, InStyle -- they got 'em all.

ICESAND also features a nice patio area that will be quite lovely for the days when we're not plagued by winter wind, rain, yellow dust, or mosquitoes.


ICESAND
89 Hwa-dong, Jongro-gu, Seoul
T.02.720.6255
10:30 AM - 11:00 PM

That's So American: Mall and Movies

I don't know how I managed to live over a year in Seoul and not know that there's a mall at Yongsan. I've been to Yongsan Station a couple of times, but never noticed the huge "multiplex" building RIGHT NEXT DOOR! You'd think I'd notice such a thing.

I went to the iPark Mall for the first time during the lunar new year weekend with my gyopo relatives. We only went to the theater, but it appears to have all the features of a mall: shops, eateries, move theater, and central heating/cooling system. The mall is a little cluttered and stuffy for my tastes, but it's definitely worth another trip.

Over the holidy weekend, I also accompanied my cousins to the US military base at Yongsan. We weren't able to go to the comissary, but we did get to shop at the fast food eateries. It's pretty embarassing how excited I felt when I purchased a large bag of Cheddar Sun Chips for $1.95! We also had dinner at the hotel. I ordered mediocre Carne Asada tacos, and they were awesome!

We also caught a movie at the theaters on base. We saw Disney's Bolt. Surprisingly, Miley Cyrus' voice did not make my ears bleed, and I quite enjoyed the film. I have to admit though that I was a little startled by the playing of the National Anthem before the start of the film. I was leaning back in my seat, enjoying some Sweet Tarts when at the blare of trumpets, my cousin N. whispers, "Quick! Stand up!" Baffled, I jolted upwards, then noticed on the big screen, a patriotic montage of smiling soldiers, waving flags, and cherubic children. I looked around at the other theater goers and saw them staring intently at the screen with their bodies at attention, and hands plastered at their sides. I followed suit, but couldn't help but feel a little weirded out. I'm proud to be American, but for a moment, I felt like one of those pajama-clad guys in the Apple 1984 commercial. On the other hand, for $4 movie tickets I will stand attentively through the Anthem, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and wear red, white, and blue.

AnnaKlog

I'm both flattered and a little baffled to learn that this here blog was nominated for a 2008 Golden Klog Award over at the Hub of Sparkle. Seeing as my last post was about pajamas, I feel a little sheepish mentioning that I've been nominated for the Best Personal/Diary Blog category.

I know that 2009 postings have been quite weak, but if you enjoyed reading my ramblings from 2008, then you may want to vote for Annalog on the Golden Klog survey. No hard feelings if you don't. [Who am I kidding? I will be devastated. That's right, Emo-bu. You better vote for me!]

The survey is split into two parts. My category may be found in Part I, but you should take a gander at the other blogs nominated.
Golden Klog Awards Survey: Part I
Golden Klog Awards Survey: Part II

The PJs that Saved Me This Winter

Okay, that's a bit of an overstatement, but I don't think I could survive this winter without the thermal sleep wear from UNIQLO. Trust me, I usually sleep with three blankets. Winter may almost be over, but these fleecey jammies of magic and warmth are definitely worth buying -- especially now, since they're on sale for 19,000 won (regular price, 29,000). I'm not sure how long the sale will last, so don't wait too long.

There a number of UNIQLO stores across Seoul, including Apgu (across from the Galleria), Myeongdong, Kagnam, and the Coex. For additonal locations, check out the company website.

Teacher Annalog: What Makes a Person Smart?

Besides an ivy league degree?

Here's a response from one of my third grade students (a non-farting one). I had meant, what does it mean for a person to be smart, but he interpreted the question as "How does one become smart?" His response basically sums up most Korean moms' approach to learning...


What Makes a Person Smart.
Written by a Third Grader

A person becomes smart if he or she practices the same thing over and over again. Another thing to get smart is to pay attention in class and focus. Another thing to do to get smart is don’t be lazy on weekends or a break and work instead. Another thing to do to get smart is ask your mom to give you worksheets and ask your mom to get you math classes. The last thing to do is to do a higher grade level work.

Teacher Annalog: The Gas Man

This month, I'm teaching students from grades 3 to 8. I feel sort of like a schoolmarm from the prairie days. Because most of our students attend international schools, we're able to run our classes in a more western style. We're less grade or test score oriented, and more about helping students become thoughtful readers and articulate writers, as well as making learning fun. Lofty goals, I know, but we try our best.

I haven't blogged much about work. For one thing, my boss is my cousin, and my family reads this blog. Keke. Also, I don't know if I've become a better teacher or perhaps I'm just getting more cynical, but I don't have as many teaching horror stories to report this time around. This story, however, is one that I'm dying to share.

I just started teaching a class of 3rd grade boys a couple of weeks ago. Even though the class is draining, I enjoy the challenge, especially because kids will do or say the darndest things.

Last Friday, two of the boys began gagging and waving their hands in front of their noses. "Eww!" whined one boy. "Somebody farted." We all immediately turned to the one, silent boy.

"Sorry" he shrugged with a sheepish grin. "I farted. I couldn't help it."
My olfactory systems a bit off, but that's when the offensive smell seemed to pervade the classroom. I even had to stop one kid from seeking refuge in the storage closet. It was bit of a circus.

I have to give myself credit. Rather than gagging or giggling like a school girl, I managed to say in a firm, yet sympathetic voice, "Farting is a natural bodily function. I know that sometimes they can't be controlled. Next time, if you feel such an impulse and can't control it, please excuse yourself, and go in the hallway."

A hour later, we were in the midst of an activity when the Gas Man suddenly shot up from his seat and ran to the classroom door. Forgetting what I had said earlier, I said sharply, "Where are you going?"

With half of his body out the door, the Gas Man whispers loudly, "I have to fart."

"Oh, okay. Quickly! Go in the hallway."

Gas Man returns to the classroom with a gigantic, satisfied smile. I feel like I should pat him on the head or give him a liver snap. Instead, I just say. "Thank you."

Let's Toast to the Snow

This past week has been near frigid, but thanks to some recent snowfall, temperatures have become more bearable.














Even though it usually results in icy sidewalks and an increase in traffic, an occasional snowfall is still pretty exciting to see. I don't even mind having to bundle up. I especially enjoy having a reason to wear my unattractive yellow snow boots.

Check me out. Here I am bundled up in five layers, trying to do a little sel-ca.















I've been meaning to post (not that I've done anything terribly exciting), but have been busy at work. I've also gotten lazy, and have started to leave my computer at the office. (Them macbooks are purty, but they're also a little heavy.)

Last night we went to the noraebang. My singing hasn't improved, but I did discover a new song. A few of you J fans may be interested in her latest single "Toast", featuring Humming Urban Stereo.

02. Toast (with. Humming Urban Stereo) - J

The Cutest Puppy in Korea

I've seen a lot of cute puppy footage on youtube, but this has got to be the cutest puppy I've seen. As my sister commented when she sent me the link, "I would kill for this puppy."



Somebody needs to get this dog its own segment on 동물농장 (Animal Farm), or at the very least, a spot on Star King.

Look,이모. It's Alex!

img src

Last year (just a couple of weeks ago) I attended "Sweet December" a joint concert between ballad singers Park Jung Hyun and Alex. Though I am a fan of both singers, I hadn't intended to go to the concert, especially since we were in the midst of winter intensive classes. But then, my cousin N's close friend and incidentally, mother of one of my students, Mrs. K. graciously invited me to the concert after hearing that I was a fan of Alex' music. It was an offer I couldn't refuse. Truly. It would have been rude.

Plus, she offered to take me back stage to meet Alex. How could I refuse?

Before the concert, thanks to Mrs. K's contact, we went backstage to meet Alex, and, by "meet" I mean say hello and then take a quick photo. He was scheduled to go on stage in 30 minutes, so our meet and greet was understandably rushed.

The only thing I can say after meeting Alex is that he's WAY smaller in person. I know that the camera adds ten pounds, but the WGM cameras must have added at least thirty, because I never would have guessed that he was so slim. Maybe the concert schedule had him running ragged, but Alex definitely needs some kim bap, STAT. His face was not much bigger than mine.

(This only leads me to wonder how small some of the really tiny actresses are in real life.)

The photo below does not adequately convey how small Alex is.















I quite enjoyed the concert. As typical of ballad concerts in Korea, the show was a little sappy, (The overarching theme of Sweet December, if I understood correctly, was about how relationships can be sweeter after a couple has broken up, and then gotten back together) but both artists performed some of my favorite songs.

The concert took place in the Olympic Fencing Stadium. I would have enjoyed the music in a more intimate setting, but I shouldn't complain. We had some pretty awesome seats. We were quite close to the stage. We could have rushed Alex if we wanted -- not that we would. Ballad fans don't really get out of hand. They usually just wave their glow sticks to the music. The only fan that got out of hand was an ajumma who ran up to the stage to get a photo of Alex in action. The security girls had to tackle her, and drag the woman back to her seat. Oh, that Alex. He makes the ajummas go crazy.



Though I like Alex's music, the highlight of the evening was probably Park Jung Hyun's aka Lena Park's performances. She has a very peculiar, almost nasal, singing voice, but it's also surprisingly powerful. One of those voices you either hate or love. I, for one, am a fan of her voice. She even sang one of my favorites. It brought me back to my sophomore year in college.




Thanks to my cousin N. and Mrs. K for inviting me to the concert, and gracias to my other cousin, VP for accompanying me.

Korean Hip Hop - Translated

Please excuse all the forthcoming youtube links. Once a month I spend a number of hours surfing youtube, jumping from one "related video" to the next. Tonight was one of those nights.

In case you're interested in k-pop (particularly hip hop) you might want to check out The Asian Mission.

According to his or her youtube profile:

"[The Asian Mission] is not Korean, I'm white American living in Korea, self-taught in Korean. My Korean isn't perfect yet but my reading's fairly solid. A lot of my older translations could still use some touch-ups."

I came across TheAsianMission's videos while searching for Epik High's newest album. I have yet to check out all of his/her videos, but I like what I've seen so far.

This is one of my favorite songs from their previous album, Pieces Part One. It's called 당신의조들, feating Jisun. My limited Korean will only allow me to appreciate the general sentiment of a song, so I enjoyed reading the translation of the lyrics.



TheAsianMission also translated one of my favorite korean songs of 2008.
기억을 걷는 시간 by Nell

Gee.

Just when you thought "Nobody" was starting to grow on you...
Girl's Generation 소녀시대 just released their new digital single "Gee."
I'm calling it now. This song is going to be everywhere. It's inevitable. You'll hear it blasting from the ABC Mart. You'll hear it tinkling from some middle schooler's new LG Ice Cream 2 phone. You'll hear it on some Dunkin Donuts commercial. You may as well embrace the song now.



Discovered via Coolsmurf