Thank you PunditKitchen.com for keeping me laughing!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
"Summon the Heroes"
Since my first week in Korea I was yearning to see a baseball game. I've read and heard that the games are enjoyable and extremely cheap. At first I was surprised, as you can get bleacher seats for $3, behind the plate and baselines for about $10, and VIP box seats for $30. (As a Red Sox fan, I could only dream Fenway's tickets were that cheap!) However, after seeing a couple of games on TV, I'm not as surprised to the low cost of the aforementioned tickets. The Korean teams skill levels are the equivalent to our minor leagues - and maybe that is being too nice. The pitchers seem to throw everything right down the middle of the plate, and the bats are swinging left and right. Most games I've seen are pretty high scoring. (Plus I can recall one game where there were 3 errors in one inning - maybe that's just a fluke, but I doubt it.) So maybe the ticket prices are acceptable, as the farm teams back at home are just as cheap.
Three months have past, and as a treat for myself, I decided I was going to venture out and watch a game. The stadium is about an hour away on the subway, and I gave myself extra time to get there early in order to buy a ticket. (You can order them online, but I don't know how). The subway was packed though, and I didn't get there much earlier than the rest of Seoul.
The game I went to see was the Doosan Bears vs. the Kia Tigers. The Doosan Bears share Jamsil Stadium with another home team the LG Twins. (Yes, Korean baseball teams name themselves after conglomerates and not cities). According to many sources, the Tigers are the equivalent of the Yankees - having won many championships, and therefore the Doosan Bears are closest to the Red Sox. Ergo, I'm going to despise the Tigers from now on and am adopting the Bears as my team. Unfortunately, just like the Red Sox/Yankee games - this one was completely sold out! I tried to get a ticket, but to no avail! I'm going to have to recruit my co-teacher to helping me buy a ticket online before the season ends in October.
Korean baseball follows the same rules as MLB baseball (except I'm not sure if they follow the AL or NL rules). The unique thing to baseball in Asia (as I've heard this is the same in Japan) is that the fans contribute to the game using chants and songs, and use 'thunder sticks' along in unison. The fans get really quiet and respectful when their team bats, and gets really loud against the opposing team. Every Korean has not only their favorite baseball player, but cheerleader as well. They lead the songs and dances for the crowd, and contribute to the environment.
After picking myself up from this huge disappointment and taking a handful of snapshots, I went across the highway (via the subway terminal of course) and strolled through "Asia Park" located near the "Asian Player Village" It wasn't all that exciting, so I just decided to play with the camera and try and practice my photography. I believe I'm getting better.
Three months have past, and as a treat for myself, I decided I was going to venture out and watch a game. The stadium is about an hour away on the subway, and I gave myself extra time to get there early in order to buy a ticket. (You can order them online, but I don't know how). The subway was packed though, and I didn't get there much earlier than the rest of Seoul.
The game I went to see was the Doosan Bears vs. the Kia Tigers. The Doosan Bears share Jamsil Stadium with another home team the LG Twins. (Yes, Korean baseball teams name themselves after conglomerates and not cities). According to many sources, the Tigers are the equivalent of the Yankees - having won many championships, and therefore the Doosan Bears are closest to the Red Sox. Ergo, I'm going to despise the Tigers from now on and am adopting the Bears as my team. Unfortunately, just like the Red Sox/Yankee games - this one was completely sold out! I tried to get a ticket, but to no avail! I'm going to have to recruit my co-teacher to helping me buy a ticket online before the season ends in October.
Korean baseball follows the same rules as MLB baseball (except I'm not sure if they follow the AL or NL rules). The unique thing to baseball in Asia (as I've heard this is the same in Japan) is that the fans contribute to the game using chants and songs, and use 'thunder sticks' along in unison. The fans get really quiet and respectful when their team bats, and gets really loud against the opposing team. Every Korean has not only their favorite baseball player, but cheerleader as well. They lead the songs and dances for the crowd, and contribute to the environment.
I was really looking forward to this game, and even though I knew this was a possibility, I decided "Oh well, if I can't get in, at least I'll get to see the Olympic Stadium area". For those of you young people out there, the Olympic Stadium was built for the 1988 Summer Games. There actually wasn't much to see because you can't get into the stadiums, and everything was blocked off for concerts and events. I did, however, get to take some photos of the area.
As usual, click the pics to enlarge
After picking myself up from this huge disappointment and taking a handful of snapshots, I went across the highway (via the subway terminal of course) and strolled through "Asia Park" located near the "Asian Player Village" It wasn't all that exciting, so I just decided to play with the camera and try and practice my photography. I believe I'm getting better.
When I got home not too long ago, I really wanted pizza. This is something that is everywhere in Korea, but I had still not tested it. After I fended off some Korean missionaries that really wanted me to join their church, I had the fortune to go to a small place called "Pizza Club" right across from my building. They actually turn out a decent pizza, and you can get a medium for only $5! It comes with sweet pickles as well, which aren't half bad. I think this will be a regular thing before I go out on Friday or Saturday night as it's cheap, yet filling for all that mek-ju and soju!
This note is for my best friend Patrick - I saw an Volvo S80, so I had to take a photo for you of one with Korean plates). By the way - since Hyundai is a Korean made car, I see about 100 Santa Fe's a day, so it's nothing special!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
"Speak"
I've been trying to increase my vocabulary as well as try to read Korean or Hangul (한글) at a faster pace. It actually is a fairly easy language to read once you get the basics down.
Hangul is organized into syllabic blocks. Each block consists of usually two to four of the 24 Hangul letters, and contain at least one each of the 14 consonants and 10 vowels. These syllabic blocks can be written horizontally from left to right as well as vertically from top to bottom in columns from right to left.
For anyone who wants to learn to read, I highly recommend using these pictographic PDF's which you can also find here. They have helped me immensely!
![[Korean Consonants]](http://www.wright-house.com/korean/korean-graphics/korean-consonants.gif)
![[Korean Vowels]](http://www.wright-house.com/korean/korean-graphics/korean-vowels.gif)
For example you might see this: 커피 - the first 2 letters are [ke'] and [ô] and the second are [p'] and [ee]. Add them together and you get kopee - or coffee. Now, that's all fine and dandy (yes, I just used the word dandy) if you're reading something that is derived from the English language. (aka Konglish)
As a side note, most words end in vowels and when Koreans try to speak just about any English word, they add a vowel to the end. I can't tell you how many times I've been called "Nick-ah" or "Teach-ah" when sitting at my "desk-eh".
I've noticed that there are different rules sometimes that you may only figure out by being corrected by, or having a native speaker with you. There is a lot of trial and error, which probably isn't the best thing when you're trying to order food or ask a question to a native speaker, but they usually get the point and try to help you the best that they can.
The best thing I have done recently is establish my new classroom rules of forcing the kids to write down vocabulary in their notebooks. Since I have them say the words aloud in English, I also have them repeat it in Korean to make sure they understand. After teaching the same lesson for a week, I can repeat the Korean translations of many of the vocabulary words I give to them. They learn from me, I learn from them. It's a great system if you ask me. Just don't ask me in Korean - at least not YET.
Hangul is organized into syllabic blocks. Each block consists of usually two to four of the 24 Hangul letters, and contain at least one each of the 14 consonants and 10 vowels. These syllabic blocks can be written horizontally from left to right as well as vertically from top to bottom in columns from right to left.
For anyone who wants to learn to read, I highly recommend using these pictographic PDF's which you can also find here. They have helped me immensely!
For example you might see this: 커피 - the first 2 letters are [ke'] and [ô] and the second are [p'] and [ee]. Add them together and you get kopee - or coffee. Now, that's all fine and dandy (yes, I just used the word dandy) if you're reading something that is derived from the English language. (aka Konglish)
Another example of this would be:
아파트 [a] [pa] [teu] or "apartment"
For those who are wondering, the [ㅇ] is silent at the beginning of words - it's a silent consonant like the "h" in "heir", but unlike the letter "h" is it is always silent at the beginning of words. When found at the end of a syllable it makes an "ng" sound.
Another example of this would be:
콩글리시 [kong] [geul] [re] [see] = kongeulresee (or konglish)
I've noticed that there are different rules sometimes that you may only figure out by being corrected by, or having a native speaker with you. There is a lot of trial and error, which probably isn't the best thing when you're trying to order food or ask a question to a native speaker, but they usually get the point and try to help you the best that they can.
The best thing I have done recently is establish my new classroom rules of forcing the kids to write down vocabulary in their notebooks. Since I have them say the words aloud in English, I also have them repeat it in Korean to make sure they understand. After teaching the same lesson for a week, I can repeat the Korean translations of many of the vocabulary words I give to them. They learn from me, I learn from them. It's a great system if you ask me. Just don't ask me in Korean - at least not YET.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
"Hibi No Neiro"
This music video 'Hibi no Neiro' (Tone of everyday) was shot for a Japanese band called "Sour". It is from their first mini album 'Water Flavor EP'. The cast were selected from the actual Sour fan base, from many countries around the world. Each person and scene was filmed purely via webcam.
SOUR official site: http://sour-web.com
Sunday, August 23, 2009
"Let's Get It Started"
My short vacation is over, and I'm back to work. (insert sarcastic "yippee!" here)
I suppose it's a good thing that I only have to teach one lesson a week! It is the start of a new semester, which in Korea goes something like this:
Semester 1: March - Mid-July
Summer Vacation
Semester 2: Mid-August - Late January/Early February
Winter Vacation
Winter vacation is about a month long, and out of that I have 15 days paid vacation. However the other 15 I might have to teach a winter course, unless for some miracle the principal decides against it and I get another 15 days of vacation. (crossing my fingers!)
Anywho, since it is the start of a new term, I decided to be a little more organized and keep my expectations for my students high. My biggest issues when I first began teaching (for only 3 weeks before their summer vacation) was that the students were not bringing notebooks, not writing any notes (if they even bothered to bring a pencil) or would be completely inactive and just try to sleep in class. My classroom rules are simple now. I only have 5 rules.
1. Always bring your English notebook to class.
2. Always bring a pencil or pen to class.
3. Always write the English Vocab words in your notebook (I have them write the Korean equivalent as well, and then they use the notebook as a dictionary for when I give them pop quizzes or writing assignments when they'll need the vocab.)
4. Always raise your hand to answer a question. (They normally just yell out to you - so I'm training them that if they just raise their hand and are quiet, they can win candy. But the kids who yell out I don't even call on).
5. Try to speak English 1st, Korean 2nd. (I am a firm believer that they should try. I have heard that some hagwons don't allow the kids to speak Korean in the English classes, or if the teachers try to speak Korean they can get into trouble. I don't think this is productive at all, and when you have a class of 40 students of extremely mixed ability the kids who don't understand a lot are going to fall further behind and then not even care anymore.)
As for those sleeping kids I mentioned earlier - it's not easy to fight against, as many students are up very late studying or going to private lessons that their parents push on them. Even the Korean teachers cut these students a little slack and let them put their heads down and nod off during class.
To be fair though, for some of these students going to public school is the easiest part of their day, and a nice break. I even asked the students "How was your summer vacation? Did you have fun? Are you happy to be back at school?" Most of their responses were surprising. They were actually happier to be back at school than on vacation because either their parents were making them sit at home and study or they were taking multiple private lessons in every subject. At least at public school they can see all their friends, and again the classes are easier. One girl told me all she did was study and go to private lessons for a month. Her mother is home all the time and with such close living quarters its easy to enforce the no TV or computer rule. Sometimes I really feel bad for these kids - they are pushed way to hard and need to some fun and relaxation.
Ok, that's enough about the schools.
As a side note, I'd like to give a shout out to Google Analytics, a tracking gadget I've put on the blog. It shows me where my audience is logging in from, some which I find surprising. I've had visitors from Belgium, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, South Korea (besides me), and a multitude of states - primarily CT, RI, NY and MA as expected.
This gadget also helps me see where my traffic is coming from. Most of it is from family and friends who have saved the website in their bookmarks or are referred from Facebook or other sites. I'm starting to gain an audience from www.reliableteacher.com. This site had contacted me asking to use my blog on their site. I had not responded and actually wasn't too keen on the idea of all these random people peering into my life - but they posted it anyways. (and I don't even teach at a hagwon --- odd). I'll just have to be more careful about what I post and try to appeal to a broader audience than just family and friends back home.
Anyways, as long as I'm getting the traffic, I guess it wouldn't hurt to make some more posts like this one that would help new teachers, or those thinking about coming to Korea. Although, I can think of many sites far more helpful than mine.
I'll leave you now with this funny video that I can't seem to stop watching and have found my self singing from time to time. (I recommend turning on Closed Captioning because the lyrics are funny). Enjoy! (John Williams is the man!)
I suppose it's a good thing that I only have to teach one lesson a week! It is the start of a new semester, which in Korea goes something like this:
Semester 1: March - Mid-July
Summer Vacation
Semester 2: Mid-August - Late January/Early February
Winter Vacation
Winter vacation is about a month long, and out of that I have 15 days paid vacation. However the other 15 I might have to teach a winter course, unless for some miracle the principal decides against it and I get another 15 days of vacation. (crossing my fingers!)
Anywho, since it is the start of a new term, I decided to be a little more organized and keep my expectations for my students high. My biggest issues when I first began teaching (for only 3 weeks before their summer vacation) was that the students were not bringing notebooks, not writing any notes (if they even bothered to bring a pencil) or would be completely inactive and just try to sleep in class. My classroom rules are simple now. I only have 5 rules.
1. Always bring your English notebook to class.
2. Always bring a pencil or pen to class.
3. Always write the English Vocab words in your notebook (I have them write the Korean equivalent as well, and then they use the notebook as a dictionary for when I give them pop quizzes or writing assignments when they'll need the vocab.)
4. Always raise your hand to answer a question. (They normally just yell out to you - so I'm training them that if they just raise their hand and are quiet, they can win candy. But the kids who yell out I don't even call on).
5. Try to speak English 1st, Korean 2nd. (I am a firm believer that they should try. I have heard that some hagwons don't allow the kids to speak Korean in the English classes, or if the teachers try to speak Korean they can get into trouble. I don't think this is productive at all, and when you have a class of 40 students of extremely mixed ability the kids who don't understand a lot are going to fall further behind and then not even care anymore.)
As for those sleeping kids I mentioned earlier - it's not easy to fight against, as many students are up very late studying or going to private lessons that their parents push on them. Even the Korean teachers cut these students a little slack and let them put their heads down and nod off during class.
To be fair though, for some of these students going to public school is the easiest part of their day, and a nice break. I even asked the students "How was your summer vacation? Did you have fun? Are you happy to be back at school?" Most of their responses were surprising. They were actually happier to be back at school than on vacation because either their parents were making them sit at home and study or they were taking multiple private lessons in every subject. At least at public school they can see all their friends, and again the classes are easier. One girl told me all she did was study and go to private lessons for a month. Her mother is home all the time and with such close living quarters its easy to enforce the no TV or computer rule. Sometimes I really feel bad for these kids - they are pushed way to hard and need to some fun and relaxation.
Ok, that's enough about the schools.
As a side note, I'd like to give a shout out to Google Analytics, a tracking gadget I've put on the blog. It shows me where my audience is logging in from, some which I find surprising. I've had visitors from Belgium, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, South Korea (besides me), and a multitude of states - primarily CT, RI, NY and MA as expected.
This gadget also helps me see where my traffic is coming from. Most of it is from family and friends who have saved the website in their bookmarks or are referred from Facebook or other sites. I'm starting to gain an audience from www.reliableteacher.com. This site had contacted me asking to use my blog on their site. I had not responded and actually wasn't too keen on the idea of all these random people peering into my life - but they posted it anyways. (and I don't even teach at a hagwon --- odd). I'll just have to be more careful about what I post and try to appeal to a broader audience than just family and friends back home.
Anyways, as long as I'm getting the traffic, I guess it wouldn't hurt to make some more posts like this one that would help new teachers, or those thinking about coming to Korea. Although, I can think of many sites far more helpful than mine.
I'll leave you now with this funny video that I can't seem to stop watching and have found my self singing from time to time. (I recommend turning on Closed Captioning because the lyrics are funny). Enjoy! (John Williams is the man!)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
"Carrying the Banner"
South Korean's have been abundant in the news this week.
Korean golfer Yang Yong-eun made PGA Tour history, becoming the first Korean and Asian player to win a major championship. Tiger Woods was a favorite, but Yang Yong-eun defeated him late in the final round.
In keeping with it's normal mood swings, North Korea has decided to try and resume projects that North and South have worked on previously. This includes work between Hyundai and North Korea's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee and talks to resume tours to Mt. Geumgang located in the North. South Korea's government is as usually remaining cautious about the projects, but hopes for a positive outcome.
This afternoon, Former President Kim Dae-jung (김대중) died of complications to pneumonia. He was SK's 15th President (1998-2003)
"He won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts at reconciliation with North Korea, including a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in 2000.
The fighter for democracy endured abduction, torture and multiple arrests while engaging in the pro-democracy movement.
During his more than 40 years in politics, Kim survived several assassination attempts, one of which left him with a permanent limp.
Political analysts say it was just short of a miracle that Kim won the 1997 presidential election. His inauguration marked South Korea's first power transfer between rival parties."
Lastly, Dae-sung, a member of the K-pop group Big Bang was in a car accident and is going to need surgery. He had "his nose and orbital bones broken in the accident that took place near Pyeongtaek", which is about 20 minutes from me via subway.
You can read about more Korean news here (The Korean Times)
Korean golfer Yang Yong-eun made PGA Tour history, becoming the first Korean and Asian player to win a major championship. Tiger Woods was a favorite, but Yang Yong-eun defeated him late in the final round.
In keeping with it's normal mood swings, North Korea has decided to try and resume projects that North and South have worked on previously. This includes work between Hyundai and North Korea's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee and talks to resume tours to Mt. Geumgang located in the North. South Korea's government is as usually remaining cautious about the projects, but hopes for a positive outcome.
This afternoon, Former President Kim Dae-jung (김대중) died of complications to pneumonia. He was SK's 15th President (1998-2003)
"He won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts at reconciliation with North Korea, including a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in 2000.
The fighter for democracy endured abduction, torture and multiple arrests while engaging in the pro-democracy movement.
During his more than 40 years in politics, Kim survived several assassination attempts, one of which left him with a permanent limp.
Political analysts say it was just short of a miracle that Kim won the 1997 presidential election. His inauguration marked South Korea's first power transfer between rival parties."
Lastly, Dae-sung, a member of the K-pop group Big Bang was in a car accident and is going to need surgery. He had "his nose and orbital bones broken in the accident that took place near Pyeongtaek", which is about 20 minutes from me via subway.
You can read about more Korean news here (The Korean Times)
Monday, August 17, 2009
"Teach Your Children"
Many occupations exist out of pure necessity. Jobs like doctors, scientists, and farmers have, and always will exist. Thankfully, in Korea, teaching English (as well as proof reading) is still needed - as proven by LOTTE (one of many Korean conglomerates).
Recently an advertisement put up at a Lotte Department Store in Jeonju has gotten attention on the internet. The store intended to write not “Bitch” but “Beach”.
Also...
When I started teaching, I was told about a movie named "Our School E.T." that was supposed to be very good and explained a lot about Korean culture, teaching, students, and the school systems (at least those in the rich Gangnam area). I finally found it on YouTube, and I have to say - it is one of the better movies I have seen in a while. It's funny and heart-warming at the same time. Enjoy!
NOTE: This is Part 1 of 12 - you'll have to go on YouTube and click the subsequent links that follow, as I'm not going to post all 12 parts here. But here is the link.
Recently an advertisement put up at a Lotte Department Store in Jeonju has gotten attention on the internet. The store intended to write not “Bitch” but “Beach”.
Also...
When I started teaching, I was told about a movie named "Our School E.T." that was supposed to be very good and explained a lot about Korean culture, teaching, students, and the school systems (at least those in the rich Gangnam area). I finally found it on YouTube, and I have to say - it is one of the better movies I have seen in a while. It's funny and heart-warming at the same time. Enjoy!
NOTE: This is Part 1 of 12 - you'll have to go on YouTube and click the subsequent links that follow, as I'm not going to post all 12 parts here. But here is the link.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
