Books I Be Readin

I've recently realized that since I began my current job back in late 2006 that I haven't been doing much real reading (besides comic books) at all. This is rather strange to me since I've always enjoyed reading and up until that point, I would usually be carrying around a book or three about various topics of interest. So, in an attempt to return to that favorite of habits, I went out recently and bought a few books. Here are the two I am reading now:

Kind of old, I know. I actually went through this book somewhat half-assedly about a year and a half ago but am now trying to give it a more thorough reading. I'll post my comments about it when I am finished.

Also, as I can never seem to read just one book at once, here is the other one I am currently reading:

This seems to be a rather well written book and offers up some pretty good ideas against globalization. I can't comment too much as I am only through the first chapter or so, but so far it seems like it will be a most interesting read indeed.

What are you guys reading lately?

(porno doesnt count)

Aaron's Farewell Party

Aaron is finally leaving Korea tomorrow and his going away party is tonight. Yet another of the somewhat old guard is leaving and will be replaced by more fresh-faced newbies. English teachers here are like the fabled Hydra, chop off one head and more grow in its place. Maybe more like a planaria since they are less dramatic.

In any case, I'll miss his bleak outlook on anything that has to do with Korea and the fact that he's the only person I've met here who doesn't look at me strangely when I eat french fries with mustard. Flat-footed dancing in the gay clubs won't be the same without ya, big guy. Have fun back in Chicago and make sure to keep dose muddy shoes outta da fruchroom!

Now and Laters

Long taxi rides have become somewhat routine for me since I took my current job. Mostly because I end up having to travel to my client's offices when doing meetings or presentations but also because a good chunk of my friends actually live on the other side of Seoul from me. These taxi rides can last anywhere from 25-50 minutes and that is quite a bit of time to think (or sleep, depending on my state).

So during today's ride I got to thinking: How does one live for the moment while still maintaining forward motions for the future? We all know that proverb "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift" but one can't really go about life reveling completely in the moment or tomorrow goes from being a mystery to being a VH1 Special. Though in contrast, if one completely focuses on goals for the future, life becomes pretty bland and scripted. I guess in certain respects, my life for the past 2 years or so has been trying to find some sort of balance between these two ideas. While I haven't been able to find that optimal balance point yet (or even an optimal balance range), the constant search for it is I guess what keeps my life interesting sometimes.

What about you? Have you found your balance point? Any pointers?

Venture Brothers is the cat's pajamas

Normally I don't watch a lot of TV because I think it kills time that could otherwise be spent more productively (like drinking or acting loutish). However, I do have somewhat of a fascination for cartoons and Japanese anime as most people who know me can attest. It has been, however, quite a few years since a new American cartoon has been able to capture my attention as well as the Venture Brothers has.

For those of you who don't know the show, its actually created by a former writer for The Tick animated cartoon which was also a show I really enjoyed back in the day. It's a very good blend of comedy, parody and failure and I thoroughly recommend the show to anyone who likes a good laugh.

I've been watching the 3rd season lately and it consistently cracks me up with random pop culture refrences and puns. For instance, in the latest episode, my favorite character, The Monarch breaks into his newly acquired arch-enemy's home base but is really upset with the fact that his new arch-enemy is a complete douche. The new guy is actually part dewgong and calls himself "Dr. Dewgong" and he sits in a wheelchair. As The Monarch breaks in he says "Ah man, you're all fleshy colored and...jeez how much thalidomide did your mother take?". It was perfect and I have never heard thalidomide used as a joke in a cartoon before. I almost spit milk on my computer screen.

In any case, you guys need to check it out sometime. I've got every episode for anyone interested.

For a Venture Brothers breakdown:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venture_brothers

For those of you who didn't know what thalidomide is:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalidomide

28 Days(or so) Later

It's been over a month since I've done anything on here and a combination of my own want to post something and some of my friends bitching at me has brought me back.

So what's been up this past month, Mike?

Well, lots of things actually. Some of which I cannot talk about at this moment since I've got to keep them on the low-low and other things I don't want to talk about because they are just damn right embarrassing.

I guess I'll start with the boring, and therefore neutral, aspects of my life this past month. Work has been pretty much the same as usual. As all of us who work are aware of, it becomes rather routine and dull sometimes and this last week or so just happened to be one of those times. I'm hoping things pick up soon and awaken my interest in this job again. That's not to say that I don't enjoy certain aspects of my job, because I do, but sometimes my brain stops functioning in automaton mode and I wonder what I'm doing here. Then I look in my wallet. Oh yeah, that's right.

Outside of work I've been going out a bit more (too much?) on the weekends lately and carousing with my friends. Perhaps its the summer bug but I can't keep myself in my apartment to save my life these days despite the fact that I have a veritable treasure trove of video games the average nerd would fellate donkeys for. This of course means I'm spending more money but I figure summer only lasts another 2 months so what the hell. I don't have any crystal clear plans on travelling anywhere special the next month or so but I'm hoping to hit the beach sometime soon and work on my tan. Sitting in the office all day has unfortunately reduced my skin color to Powder-like levels.

On the video game tip, I just beat MGS4 and it is possibly the most detailed game I have ever played. The visuals, set-up, action, almost everything was perfectly executed. Everything except the goddamn story line. Also, GTA4 has been making the rounds on my system whenever I feel like living vicariously through a murdering rapist who never pays the consequences.

Finally, for the embarrassing stuff. Well, I lost (had stolen) my I-Pod, Digital Camera, bookbag that I've had since high school, gym bag, new Jero CD, 5 comic books and 2 pairs of new glasses all in the span of 2 weeks. Could have been alcohol related. Just maybe.