tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89571946966250125672024-02-07T13:19:12.621+00:00Talking to MyselfA former English teacher in South Korea now back in England contemplating what happens next...Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.comBlogger626125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-49516225118225258492013-08-22T05:23:00.000+01:002013-08-22T05:23:36.719+01:00Back to the blogFor the last two, two and a half years I haven't updated this blog much. I went back home to England after a long time away and really did very little to merit writing about or even posting pictures of. I enjoyed my time back home greatly but my wife and I have moved out of the country again. For how long we can't say.<br />
<br />
Anyway I hope to get back to posting even if it's only on a semi-regular basis. When I posted previously, I felt like I was posting too many negative things or voicing my frustration on-line so I aim to try and be more upbeat! I recently got a good smart phone, my first new phone this millennium so I am able to take pictures on the go. Back to the blog.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-1595496393530378872013-04-17T21:53:00.001+01:002013-04-17T21:53:01.491+01:00Chasing MP's for pension answersThis week I decided to return to the forlorn quest of my '<a href="http://gavin-not-gabin.blogspot.com/2011/05/asking-about-my-pension-money.html" target="_blank">missing pension</a>' money from Korea. I wrote letters to two MP's, my local MP and also to the head of the government Department for Work and Pensions. I will not mention <i>his</i> name such is my disdain for <i>his</i> transparent crusade. I have little to no expectations but I basically asked three simple questions, Is there any way that I can receive my pension? Why is there no pensions agreement between the UK and South Korea? Are there any plans to reach a pensions agreement with South Korea?<br />
<br />
My previous experience of writing to politicians here has been mixed but I have always received a reply, even if it was written by an underling. My previous attempts to get some answers in Korea came to nothing but I don't blame the people I spoke to there, it would be nice just to get something official in English. I will post any replies I get however short they are.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-26924206336569864032013-03-07T13:39:00.000+00:002013-03-07T13:39:35.291+00:00Dealing with the UK Border Agency part 3It really helps when they answer your call. I have just got off the phone from the UK Border Agency with much better results than <a href="http://gavin-not-gabin.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/dealing-with-uk-border-agency-part-1.html" target="_blank">last month</a> and earlier <a href="http://gavin-not-gabin.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/dealing-with-uk-border-agency-part-2.html" target="_blank">this week</a>. The man I spoke to was able to confirm some facts and gave correct information on things that we were unsure of. For example, applying in person will cost £1377 but 90% of these cases are settled within 24 hours - figures verified by who though? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm5di-W8aKSsuP49R1ZlGU1Y4K0G7x2DoI0Kwf6_TGfITgsxkJEU0tiMGUa5Eg4LWDd-2Yd4So9oFgWroDOtMlo_v2tdhDmm3l4uJT0X9xO4vmNb19F1qBnYfD3EGX-BJ2cFXpBWXRNA/s1600/IMG_9365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm5di-W8aKSsuP49R1ZlGU1Y4K0G7x2DoI0Kwf6_TGfITgsxkJEU0tiMGUa5Eg4LWDd-2Yd4So9oFgWroDOtMlo_v2tdhDmm3l4uJT0X9xO4vmNb19F1qBnYfD3EGX-BJ2cFXpBWXRNA/s320/IMG_9365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When I mentioned that a previous call ended in the woman I spoke to putting the phone down on me he actually apologised. I will ring back again nearer the time should we decide to follow through with the application. We still need more information on the process and my wife would have to take the <a href="http://lifeintheuktest.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/" target="_blank">Life in the UK Test</a>. For now we have some thinking to do. As always, money may dictate how things go but life in the UK may not be what it once was.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-27750852028628156682013-03-05T14:17:00.000+00:002013-03-05T14:17:30.398+00:00Dealing with the UK Border Agency part 2This process does not get any easier. I've made several calls to the UK Border Agency today over the past three hours or so and each time I have reached the very end of the options you have to choose from only to hear the following message, "<i>All of our telephone operators are currently busy and you will have to telephone back if you wish to speak to us.</i>" And then the line cuts out. They are not even putting me on hold any more. I will keep trying I guess.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cUl5ugUQYReRgQV8I4MVPX-5vZ7EqLjO5buRgbtbXAn6Qq9KJhiEiRZeDFnWZSgrq_rWlhej1nbBKH0HnfApRQ_blYwwGg3Kzxik1dr1rkGcgsvt3plqY_2TNCOYDz2pC5OkqmZB13E/s1600/IMG_9357.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cUl5ugUQYReRgQV8I4MVPX-5vZ7EqLjO5buRgbtbXAn6Qq9KJhiEiRZeDFnWZSgrq_rWlhej1nbBKH0HnfApRQ_blYwwGg3Kzxik1dr1rkGcgsvt3plqY_2TNCOYDz2pC5OkqmZB13E/s320/IMG_9357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-69854409558380072662013-02-05T15:11:00.001+00:002013-02-05T15:11:21.905+00:00Dealing with the UK Border Agency part 1In a few months time my wife's visa will run out. We are currently going through the process of a) finding out how re-application goes b) whether or not we want to apply for a new visa. The visa process for the UK is both infuriating and stressful. I fully understand why the procedure has to be thorough but it is labyrinthian in it's complexity. Things are never easy here any more especially as the right wing press have spread fear over immigration numbers and benefit payments so the government has made immigration to the UK even harder.<br />
<br />
I've just spent fifteen minutes on hold to the UK Border Agency (not a free phone number obviously) listening to a loop of one Mozart composition. When I finally got through my line was not totally clear but good enough to understand and be understood. I had a list of questions which I wanted to ask and the first words the lady said were, "We're here to answer your questions."<br />
<br />
The reason for our questions is that the procedure is almost certainly designed to be just complex enough to put people off. Worded in such a way that clarity is there yet not clear enough to be certain enough of understanding. If there are any errors in the application then flat out you won't get your visa and won't be refunded the £1,000 plus it cost you and you almost certainly won't be told why your application failed.<br />
<br />
My line was a bit crackly as I gave the lady I spoke to the name of the visa I was asking about. She asked me what the name of the form for the application was. Of course, my fault I didn't know but as I was supplying the name of the actual visa I thought it would be clear enough. After minutes of going backwards and forwards and restating that the line wasn't crystal clear, the lady put the phone down on me. Thank you very much for nothing UK Border Agency but I will return and get my questions answered. I just never want to hear <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT7_Y1pIBb4" target="_blank">Eine Kleine Nachtmusik</a> again.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-24497036787391652892012-12-12T10:34:00.000+00:002012-12-12T10:34:01.852+00:00The end of the world today?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsERKdkzOmoO3K_ELsIWzN1V2YE5exLI96lcRQdj9MZnFtO5Jw7DKAL_K9aVUHD0hg7VNnUoPHwDrxNY5N_yio5k9cVryvftj_QV0MIkvnEmJVQGqnBR0yBPsGd0rmH6nfv8ZlY_6jvlY/s1600/IMG_3862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsERKdkzOmoO3K_ELsIWzN1V2YE5exLI96lcRQdj9MZnFtO5Jw7DKAL_K9aVUHD0hg7VNnUoPHwDrxNY5N_yio5k9cVryvftj_QV0MIkvnEmJVQGqnBR0yBPsGd0rmH6nfv8ZlY_6jvlY/s320/IMG_3862.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-73851662029081118772012-11-27T11:55:00.000+00:002013-02-05T19:05:24.176+00:00Escaped North Korean propaganda artist video on his US exhibitionPropaganda posters are still with us and take many forms though their appearance has changed over the years. When I see North Korean propaganda artwork I often feel like I am looking at the same painting again and again. I found this video today on the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20500030" target="_blank">BBC website</a> about a North Korean defector responsible for some of the artwork over the last few years who now uses the canvas for a different purpose<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20500030" target="_blank"></a>.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dbB1VuaiEfI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-58536899114289511412012-11-14T10:26:00.000+00:002012-11-14T10:26:31.454+00:00Curse you immoral Eggnog latte!I'm no fan of Starbucks. I find their coffee weak, overly milky and poor value. Indeed it is the coffee that coffee lovers don't generally drink. The recent tax controversy brackets them along with Amazon, Google, Facebook and others as massive companies who, though doing nothing illegal tax-wise are exploiting tax loopholes that are at best immoral and massively out of step with public opinion. People here have overwhelmingly voiced their anger and distaste with this especially in these austere times. But of course nobody is surprised that they are all doing this. So, in general it is the last place I'd go for a coffee. Unless it's an Eggnog Latte.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWN4wHYiRxHI-5C2esbDP-os8URF7qNM-XZYFRmcjnpvDvbaT59C22p3FpVUlH7B2b3n__rYBazpbXoDO4G7-H95xn5haC05I_Z7fcfjgwlBQ9BQGrUc2052e3n8I_oUMJQQ-Z-lfn-Do/s1600/IMG_3855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWN4wHYiRxHI-5C2esbDP-os8URF7qNM-XZYFRmcjnpvDvbaT59C22p3FpVUlH7B2b3n__rYBazpbXoDO4G7-H95xn5haC05I_Z7fcfjgwlBQ9BQGrUc2052e3n8I_oUMJQQ-Z-lfn-Do/s320/IMG_3855.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Eggnog isn't really commonplace here in the UK and I'd associate it with North America. I think the first time I'd heard of it was in an Hollywood film. Many of my former Canadian colleagues said they missed it at Christmas time so one year in Korea I tried to make it. I can honestly say I'd never drank scrambled eggs until then and so bad was the drink/meal I'd concocted that I won't be repeating my mistake again. Despite this I find myself drawn to the Starbucks Eggnog Latte and liking it. With mixed emotions I will probably buy this every now and then until the festive period is over before going back to avoiding Starbucks once more just as Starbucks enthusiastically avoids paying moral levels of corporation tax.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-19359381857232210572012-10-22T16:14:00.000+01:002012-10-22T16:14:30.678+01:00Carat Manchester blogging eventLast week a friend of mine got invited to a bloggers event in Manchester and asked me if I'd like to go along even though I have no connection with his <a href="http://a-kick-in-the-grass.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">blog</a>. With the promise of free wine, food and some freebies thrown it would have been rude to say no. The event was hosted by <a href="http://www.caratmanchester.co.uk/" target="_blank">Carat</a>, a media company with a wide portfolio and was held in their Portland Street branch. A quick write up of the night can be found on their website <a href="http://www.caratmanchester.co.uk/news/carat-blog-shop-sports-fitness-1/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJn9hwiODzf2i3QlF0qHovGcHJ7tLW9QChw2fEIJ3WKHGFqnGgBAYijDJ7Nx_VgTMfrhC_e_-4IkXaOz31QohAetkteoBBN_A1IZo6gBPegwvluPBWfN7gxi0P0bZ4WgHNRQPK1ki8fI/s1600/IMG_3849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJn9hwiODzf2i3QlF0qHovGcHJ7tLW9QChw2fEIJ3WKHGFqnGgBAYijDJ7Nx_VgTMfrhC_e_-4IkXaOz31QohAetkteoBBN_A1IZo6gBPegwvluPBWfN7gxi0P0bZ4WgHNRQPK1ki8fI/s320/IMG_3849.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The event was for those with blogs on health & fitness and sport and included several presentations from their staff on how to improve your blog and especially how to monetise it. As I have no ambition of ever creating a blog with the aim of making money out of it I concentrated on the wine but did learn a few things and had some good conversations. Amongst those present was someone from <a href="http://www.talksport.co.uk/" target="_blank">talkSPORT</a> who I had a good chat with and a representative from <a href="http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/" target="_blank">British Cycling</a>. A few free things I picked up were nice too.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-72180362509487928032012-09-28T18:46:00.000+01:002012-09-28T18:48:45.057+01:00K-pop reaches the Guardian websiteKorean pop music really had a
great boost globally recently with Psy's hit
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0">Gangnam Style</a>. That link alone has racked up over 300 million hits on Youtube and has received lots of TV
and radio coverage in America as well as exposure in Europe and beyond. That's the kind of market penetration
that those promoting other singers have dreamed of for years. Who, if
anyone will be next?<br />
<br />
Some people pour scorn on Korean pop singers. I used to watch some of
the Korean shows, ostensibly to learn a little
about popular Korean culture and also to have an extra something to talk
about with some of my students when I was an ESL teacher. Some of the
singers are undeniably good whilst some are amazing dancers yet some are
obviously just pretty faces.<br />
<br />
For the newcomer it can feel so different
from Western music with a seemingly over emphasis on looks and dancing with too
much miming and a lot of auto-tune on songs. One thing in particular that I dislike are the saccharine songs which pop up from time to time. It is
easy for many to dismiss Korean pop music as being all style over
content but there is undeniable talent on the peninsula. Music cannot be
dismissed simply because you may not be able to understand what is
being said. What is different is not always wrong.<br />
<br />
The Guardian website today picks <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/28/kpop-stars-lowdown-south-korean-pop">9 acts</a> that readers may be want to look at. Namely, 2NE1, Big Bang,
Girls Generation (SNSD), U-Kiss, Sistar, Beast, Wonder Girls, Super
Junior and 2PM. Notable omissions for me are Miss A, Brown Eyed Girls and Rain amongst others. <br />
<br />
Could Korean pop become more mainstream in the coming years? We shall
see. Psy is less polished and arguably more talented than other mentioned
but crucially he has not altered his music to accommodate the tastes of
others. He was/is essentially being himself, take it or leave it.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-30778779943362557362012-09-08T23:16:00.000+01:002012-09-08T23:16:49.393+01:00Terrible start to a gameThese came up for me while playing Words With Friends. At least there weren't any U's.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MPWhH8gpZz3jfgVgxwdXhUySo_3g4T6j1lfOfuAEZ80euQuNTtRNUMxX8mc4Lx6AX8MhY948IZR8lilkDHZ1jT-oMOR2HysHpw0dsCbKxqK31VADhpJgAnHoSvkYzmblzgydyBXQIog/s1600/IMG_0163.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MPWhH8gpZz3jfgVgxwdXhUySo_3g4T6j1lfOfuAEZ80euQuNTtRNUMxX8mc4Lx6AX8MhY948IZR8lilkDHZ1jT-oMOR2HysHpw0dsCbKxqK31VADhpJgAnHoSvkYzmblzgydyBXQIog/s320/IMG_0163.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-52737835463426401572012-08-01T15:07:00.000+01:002012-08-01T15:07:56.456+01:00In the gym today with U.S. Olympians<br />
Over the past few months there have been a few semi-famous people at my gym. I've seen actors, comedians, singers and some athletes, naturally. I think this is because of a few hotels nearby. The vast majority though have been z-listers. Today I saw and actually talked to some current Olympians.<br />
<br />
Although the vast majority of the 2012 Olympics is taking place in London there is some action around the country, specifically football. There has been quite a few tourists here in Manchester watching games, Brazilians, and Americans especially. I haven't seen many (if any) North Koreans knocking around though. I wonder how many have actually travelled, apart from officials.<br />
<br />
Yesterday the American women's team beat the North Koreans 1-0 at Old Trafford and today I saw about half of the American team in my gym as I was leaving. I had a brief chat with a few of them and for the record they were very friendly and approachable but I didn't want to pester them so I wished them good luck and made my way home. I wonder what the North Korean team are doing today? They've been knocked out at the group stage. I doubt they'll be shopping in Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. So far the North Koreans are having a good Olympics as too is the South Korean team.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-56522797627121039222012-07-25T15:19:00.000+01:002012-07-25T15:19:18.729+01:00Gym pentathlonIn the few months before I left Korea I put on a bit of weight. I was
drinking a little too much and a little too often. I had stopped
taekwondo and the only exercise I was getting was on my bike. I was
looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life.<br />
<br />
I
got back home in the UK and I enjoyed the pleasures I was largely
denied over the years in Asia, namely particular food and beer. Oh
bitter how I do indeed love you. Consequently I put a little more weight
which became a little to noticeable in my midriff. <br />
<br />
So
I joined a gym and I've been going their for over half a year now. In
the first few months I didn't take things too seriously, even getting to
a stage where I just used the swimming pool and the jacuzzi. And then I
came back from a trip to Barcelona and decided I wanted to lose some
weight. It's slowly started to happen.<br />
<br />
Recently I had a
fitness test and one instructor gave me a new plan for weekly exercises
and I've stuck to it so far and more importantly I've been enjoying the
exercise and the challenge. A couple of weeks ago the gym put up some
posters for a pentathlon and I signed up. I thought about it for a few
days and thought I'd give it a go as there's no fee to do it and it may
motivate me to get fitter.<br />
<br />
There are five disciplines
that you have to do and you have four weeks to complete them. The total
number you need to do to be entered into a prize draw is twenty but to
qualify for the draw you need to have done each discipline a minimum of
two times. To qualify for a t-shirt you need to do each discipline at
least once and have a total of at least ten. So far I have done four of
the disciplines with a total of 8/20 done with over two weeks to go.
Some of the challenges are harder than others but none are against the clock.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Swimming</b></u>.
You have to swim 25 lengths (any stroke in the 20m pool). This is easy
for me because at the moment I am swimming about three or four times a
week, often 30 lengths+ and am really enjoying it.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Treadmill</b></u>.
You have to run or walk at least 3 kilometres. Again this is fairly
easy and is one of the things an instructor has set me to do as part of
my exercise routine.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Rowing</b></u>. You have to
row 1,500 metres. I find this easy as part of my weekly routine is to
row 2,500 meters as often as I can. I find this great exercise as I try to beat my previous best.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Spinning classes</b></u>. I
had my first one last week, and even though I use the bike in the gym a
lot I found this brutal. I particularly found the standing upright and
then doing something similar to push ups tough. I was buoyed though by
the man in front of me who appeared much fitter actually stopping a few
times as I ploughed on. I felt great the next day.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Bodypump classes</b></u>. I haven't been to a
class yet as the times haven't worked out for me so far. Although I have
seen some on-line videos I am a bit wary of how hard this will be for
me because one of my elbows clicks when I do certain exercises (tennis
elbow?).<br />
<br />
I hope to get through the twenty challenges
before time runs out. Damn it, I am one class away from getting the
t-shirt! Regardless, I feel a bit fitter right now and am probably at my lightest in twelve months or so. Hopefully all the cardio work will pay off at some stage. I have a target weight which will be difficult to get down to and will involve a bit of sacrifice, commitment and changes.<br />
<br />Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-32965498937789655772012-07-23T08:23:00.000+01:002012-07-23T08:23:44.210+01:00Last week a man died in Manchester city centre. I know because I heard it happen.<br />
<br />
I live in the Northern Quarter, and area known for its pubs, bars, restaurants, fashion and shopping amongst other things. My apartment is less than a minute away from the Manchester Arndale shopping mall where the man died last Friday, July 6th.<br />
<br />
In the morning my wife and I walked past the Arndale and saw the main street (High Street) next to it blocked off by police, diverting traffic and bocking the route of the city's Metrolink tram. As it was raining we just concentrated on walking as fast as we could. Five hours later we came back the same way and things were still blocked off.<br />
<br />
The crowd was bigger, people speculating about things and we looked around to see what we could before deciding to go home. And then we heard a noise, similar to a gun shot, though not as loud but still dramatic given the police involvement. I thought there was a siege or a robbery gone wrong but it wasn't that. Then people started to say someone had jumped. And someone had.<br />
<br />
I'm still relieved that I hadn't directly seen it happened or the aftermath that and more importantly that my wife hadn't. We sped up because my wife still didn't realise what had happened and I waited to tell her when we got home. Some six weeks previously a similar thing happened but police were able to talk a woman down but not this time.<br />
<br />
Their has been very little written up on this since it happened - and I have looked - quite possibly to respect the man's family's wish for privacy but some of those that were there will never forget.<br />Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-64643767503195154612012-06-27T17:18:00.000+01:002012-06-27T17:18:18.869+01:00Olympic torch in ManchesterCoca-Cola chief marketer Joe Tripodi, "<i><b>Without the sponsors, there’s no Olympic Games</b></i>."<br />
<br />
One of the things that I've been looking forward to for a while is the Olympic Games taking place this year in my home country. Writing this as a thirty four year old I realise that barring some dramatic improvements in medical science I am not going to see another take place in the UK.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQXl1cX7mowAg_KNmUQHt3pA-fFq_mdQRtMHj8t9TyQSnmwKjfr5ln1LTeRHBz_VeP6_TsDlq47deIVIiQDsyAe9Al-4QTnTZAFE3MV67CAbvi_rLydlrK-zEjn6Nm6vf4aQ74ZHbgu4/s1600/100_3147.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQXl1cX7mowAg_KNmUQHt3pA-fFq_mdQRtMHj8t9TyQSnmwKjfr5ln1LTeRHBz_VeP6_TsDlq47deIVIiQDsyAe9Al-4QTnTZAFE3MV67CAbvi_rLydlrK-zEjn6Nm6vf4aQ74ZHbgu4/s320/100_3147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite this interest I haven't even tried to get tickets for any events. Tickets + travel + accommodation + expenses for London are excessive even at the best of times but I will enjoy it on TV. Over the weekend the Olympic torch relay made its way through Manchester. The torch passed by just five minutes walk from my apartment. My wife and I went to check it out. There was a big crowd for the section I went to and people were clearly enjoying themselves.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfKKGKRWTy1bz8undNtneOuNL88j8H-DmwfzNwLV9LzNSkmQjolu1jm5yiI7vU04Y3lB8sfbq3kVyLdThqKSX3Vc_Tvnm3Yxg20YuglDdxdxizAcQP6RBbQHX5o1iHEdq3jmD6CCVA2w/s1600/100_3162.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfKKGKRWTy1bz8undNtneOuNL88j8H-DmwfzNwLV9LzNSkmQjolu1jm5yiI7vU04Y3lB8sfbq3kVyLdThqKSX3Vc_Tvnm3Yxg20YuglDdxdxizAcQP6RBbQHX5o1iHEdq3jmD6CCVA2w/s320/100_3162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Before the torch ambled down Corporation Street (a most delicious irony) we were greeted by a cavalcade of sponsors. The convoy was a rolling swamp of commercialism and capitalism so brazen it bordered on pornography. Vehicles containing (presumably) employees bizarrely waving to the crowd as if they were there on merit. Perhaps this is a touch harsh but there was definitely <i>too much jam on the bread</i>. There have been some truly touching stories over the last few weeks about those who have carried the torch on the way but this left a bad taste in my mouth. I wonder what the real legacy of these games will be or even if we will have one that isn't more product placement.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-33871240909927522212012-04-29T00:28:00.000+01:002012-04-29T00:28:07.694+01:00Off to BarcelonaIn a few hours my wife and I are hopping on a plane to Barcelona for a few days break. I managed to get some very cheap tickets a few weeks back and have been looking forward to it ever since. It's our first trip to mainland Spain where I've wanted to go for years and years.<br />
<br />
I've not done much research leading up to this but plan to relax a bit and take in as many sites as we can given time and money. The Barcelona Metro is supposed to be quite good so we think we can get around quite easily and our hotel is in a fairly decent/central area. Sadly my Spanish is nearly nonexistent but as usual I know how to order a beer. La Rambla here we come.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-1053526721776264202012-01-16T00:06:00.005+00:002012-01-31T16:30:20.080+00:00Kim Jong-il lookalike falls on hard timesI am a little late writing up on this but saw it a few weeks ago in <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/15/dictators-lookalikes-kim-jong-il">the Guardian</a>. Briefly summing it up, a South Korean shopkeeper made a nice side living impersonating the now former North Korean 'Supreme Leader' until last month and now is at a loss, perhaps in more ways than one.<br /><br />An interesting quote in the article, "<span style="font-style: italic;">I feel very empty, as if a part of me died.</span>" Another article on this with more quotes and tracing the origin of his 'double life' can be found in <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2080206/Kim-Jong-Il-double-facing-grim-future-demise-North-Korean-dictator.html">The Daily Mail</a>. Of all the looks to cultivate, Kim Jong-il wouldn't be most peoples top of the list.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-EejzA9pwKw" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c4HjtzuKu2g" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br />I have always found lookalikes a most bizarre type of jobseeker. Being paid just because you often faintly resemble someone else but don't have their talent is for me a bit of a con but at least it puts bread on the table. In the UK we've had a plethora of them over the years but I didn't know they had them in Asia.<br /><br />I find it a bit distasteful that someone could profit from impersonating (unless in a comic way) someone who is responsible for thousands of deaths. I didn't even know you could get away with doing this kind of think in South Korea anyway. But just for what purpose would you hire a Kim Jong-Il lookalike? To tour factories and <span style="font-style: italic;">dispense</span> advise? Where was the demand? Perhaps he has a son who could join the family business like Kim Jong-Un.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-39725971549427962562012-01-13T20:49:00.005+00:002012-01-13T21:09:53.551+00:00Korean man taken hostage in lottery scamYesterday my wife was checking the spam folder of her email account when she alerted me to one in particular. The email, directing us to Singapore where upon arrival and after providing details etc etc, she would be in line to receive money from a relatives will. These emails are the scourge of the inbox but are easy to identify and easily dismissed. But nobody falls for those emails right? Wrong.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/13/south-african-police-419-scam">A South Korean man has fallen for one such scam</a>. Worse still he turned up in South Africa in person with his daughter on the belief that he would be picking up millions of dollars and was then taken hostage. Thankfully he was rescued but was so <strike>embarrassed</strike> "traumatised" that he declined to testify in court. It is easy to ridicule someone for falling for such a story but you have to feel sorry for this mans ordeal.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-38031263257929038652011-12-21T14:58:00.003+00:002011-12-21T15:10:20.445+00:00BBC commentary of Kim Jong-il's golf world recordFinally proof of Kim Jong-il's world record round of golf - <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00mr3q1"> audio found here</a>. Bookmaker Paddy Power thinks this round will forever remain unbeaten! "The world has lost a golfing legend. We're 1,000,000-1 for any PGA player to beat Kim Jong-il's record round of 38 under."<br /><br />But what odds on the "Great Successor", Kim Jong-Un, toppling his fathers achievement? Now we really know why those 'five million' North Koreans in Pyongyang were really crying. The golfing world mourns.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-45917768546358452902011-11-15T21:31:00.004+00:002011-11-15T21:54:37.458+00:00In the gym with KangaroosRecently I joined a gym in the city centre. I'm enjoying it so far but haven't been of late due to travel plans and illness. After a few days away I settled down on an exercise bike yesterday and started to pedal. Seconds later a slow stream of men in 'better shape than me' started to enter the building.<br /><br />After a while I twigged that they were the Australian rugby league team - the Kangaroos - who are in the country for the Four Nations tournament. A few went for the weights and the running machines but most of them started on the bikes, on either side of me. I continued to peddle away but it definitely put me off as they weren't even breaking sweat despite generating a lot of power and speed.<br /><br />I can testify that they are all big blokes and I wouldn't like to be the one who spilled their pint! I am hoping I can use the chance encounter as inspiration to work harder and get fitter.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-69655793202795235852011-11-06T23:50:00.002+00:002011-11-07T00:10:58.716+00:00Off to AmsterdamI seem to be out of the habit of writing of late (largely down to computer issues that have now been sorted). Soon to be corrected I hope. In a few hours my wife and I are off to the airport for a flight to Amsterdam. We got the flights quite cheaply with Easyjet and the cost of the hotel is actually higher than the plane tickets.<br /><br />It's my first trip to the Netherlands and although we're only staying two days we're hoping to try and pack in as much as we can. The transport system seems to be quite easy to navigate so we can see quite a few things during our stay. I don't know enough about the city and country as I think I should. Time to educate myself. I'm crossing my fingers in the hope that I can try some new beers. I will now only drink Heineken at gunpoint!<br /><br />If the job situation doesn't change in the next few months I may try and get one or two more cheap flights although that will depend on funds. I'm enjoying the availability of cheap air flights and a wider choice of destination that I had in Asia. Although Europe is not as exotic as Asia can at times be, it is where I am from and I hope to get the chance to explore my continent more.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-26431319718586499592011-09-28T10:13:00.002+01:002011-09-28T10:17:17.259+01:00Off to SpainI've not been updating this blog lately due to the fact that I haven't been doing much, so have had little to write about. Today that changes as my wife and I are off to Spain. We're going to the Canary Islands (Gran Canaria) for a week. It's our second wedding anniversary so we're taking a trip to celebrate and to relax. I've never been to Spain and even though the area we'll be staying in isn't so representative of Spanish culture and life I can't wait. More to write about when we come back.Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-81434930547094313442011-08-26T22:08:00.005+01:002011-08-26T22:29:53.505+01:00Fingers crossed for DaeguTomorrow marks the start of the World Atheltics Championships in Korea and I'll be glued to my TV, time differences permitting. I am delighted that Daegu, where I lived for over five years is hosting the event. In fact I am still amazed and impressed that they actually won the bidding. I would never have believed it possible when I first arrived in 2005. Although I wish I could be there in person watching the events it is the impact on the city that I would have taken more of an interest in.
<br />
<br />I hope the area gets a boost from the visitors that will be arriving. I don't know if it will change 'anything' but it can't harm Daegu to have some tourists and have locals exposed to people from other nations that aren't English teachers. There are some tremendous people in the city and I hope they make an impression on those coming to watch the athletes and help further promote Koreas image worldwide. Perhaps it will help attract visitors for the Winter Olympics in 2018 in Pyeongchang too.
<br />Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-73424680201902733272011-08-10T09:59:00.005+01:002011-08-10T15:36:18.113+01:00Rioting in ManchesterWhilst London burned on Monday those living outside the capital wondered if the rioting would escalate and spread to the rest of the country. And it did. I live in the Northern Quarter in Manchester city centre and last night rioting/looting took place in the city where I live. At various points in the evening they ran past the area where my apartment is though thankfully caused no damage. From what I could see around 90% of them were under sixteen but there were adults who are basically career criminals amongst them.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoD79k-NBlIULvCKwmT4vHa6ifPtUz6vk67uMo_9S1B-0yg6j4PM-N8a9YadMGPPVqA34-lRGWd57A53OlZvRJS-fJRmgO_G3slOLV7Izrwbel2DwzZn1LyRNv75SSWgiTZxU4Im1gtA/s1600/IMG_9314.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639235813532615826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoD79k-NBlIULvCKwmT4vHa6ifPtUz6vk67uMo_9S1B-0yg6j4PM-N8a9YadMGPPVqA34-lRGWd57A53OlZvRJS-fJRmgO_G3slOLV7Izrwbel2DwzZn1LyRNv75SSWgiTZxU4Im1gtA/s400/IMG_9314.JPG" /></a>
<br />The damage and trouble was not as bad as that in London over the past few days thankfully but today Manchester wakes up to a ransacked city centre hoping that the worst is over and that it never happens again. Attention turns to why it happened, how to prevent it happening again and why the hell the police couldn't stop a whole lot of what was going on.
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0rLj5ES5nki3oGAcCTj6LZGvz4fH_AyOBqHoDHREzWexVW6ofbCZR-E1RgCbFgcTqYqYJHPYrQllJI635s_cPGNMYRLlmmZ59V1uHEaUw6kA6e3gn-Yf5S7pzC_B6-q5FRKcaNw69kQ/s1600/IMG_9316.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639234191909187874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0rLj5ES5nki3oGAcCTj6LZGvz4fH_AyOBqHoDHREzWexVW6ofbCZR-E1RgCbFgcTqYqYJHPYrQllJI635s_cPGNMYRLlmmZ59V1uHEaUw6kA6e3gn-Yf5S7pzC_B6-q5FRKcaNw69kQ/s400/IMG_9316.JPG" /></a>
<br />I woke up and went for a coffee today and had a walk round the immediate area where I live. Thankfully there is not one single window smashed or any sign of damage as people go about their daily life and hope for normality but walk a minute or two nearer the city centre and that is not the case as shops were looted, windows smashed and places set on fire. I still feel safe as does my wife though I am disgusted that this has happened and also that more people weren't arrested at the time and police didn't prevent more damage. People are asking themselves is this the end?
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDp9MVUl5Bo0dYXXPGiMwyavIC5Bbn-KVDXMwPcgUYAh1UaP_DZKmsy0YX7PHshC08sEryFcz9cFC664BiacIZyYhgIjihzqjXu7euqvbuUM7JD4Pr5FVrt6Fdt6tga9PMX2dhY99nwvU/s1600/IMG_9317.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639234451020571858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDp9MVUl5Bo0dYXXPGiMwyavIC5Bbn-KVDXMwPcgUYAh1UaP_DZKmsy0YX7PHshC08sEryFcz9cFC664BiacIZyYhgIjihzqjXu7euqvbuUM7JD4Pr5FVrt6Fdt6tga9PMX2dhY99nwvU/s400/IMG_9317.JPG" /></a>
<br />Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957194696625012567.post-67425272831581122002011-07-29T14:23:00.003+01:002011-08-01T16:03:17.757+01:00Step by stepUp and running and online. Slowly the red tape that we have encountered seemingly everywhere is starting to unravel. It looks like my wife now has finally set up a bank account too. I am still frustrated at how long things can take but at least now I know not to expect anything different in the future.<br /><br /><br />So now what? Well I'll leave that for another day!Talking to myselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05350096644138337427noreply@blogger.com2