Asian Adventure

I feel my experience in South Korea is better explained through a series of photographs. Here are a few of my favorites.

The end.

Dance, dance, dance, dance, dance to the radio...

While I was in South Korea, my friend I was staying with had to work half days, so while she was doing that, I was able to catch Pitchfork.tv's airing of the self-titled Joy Division documentary.

Honestly, when I first listened to Joy Division, I didn't "get" them and didn't really care for the band either. I decided to give them another go later on; I don't know what changed specifically, I feel it was more of a combination of my expanding taste in music and the place I was in at the time, but I was converted. Since then, I've made it known that the band is one of my favorites. Both people I know well and not so well have picked up on that. I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing, especially with my ongoing protest that I am not goth or anything similar in any way, shape, or form.

Grant Gee's documentary on Joy Division was eye opening to say the least. The only background information I have on the band comes from the Internet or from my repeated viewing of Control, so it was interesting to get an inside look from the band members and friends of Ian Curtis. I won't lie, the documentary made me depressed, yet it only furthered my appreciation for the band and for what they've managed to accomplish.

There's this used record shop that I pass by often on my way to class, right by Union Square. I was first drawn to the store after seeing Substance in the window. I was too scared to ask how much it was (my guess was the it was expensive) and now it's gone. That just makes me even more depressed. I am a fool for passing up that record. 

If there ever is a next time, I won't make that mistake again. 

안녕하세요 (Hello) from Korea

I have safely arrived in South Korea. I left at 7 A.M on the 19th and arrived at 6:30 P.M. on the 20th. 

The flight from NYC to San Francisco went by fast, as I was asleep for most of it. I suppose staying up all night was responsible for that. However, the flight from San Francisco to Seoul was, well, slightly difficult. I'm not very patient and didn't enjoy sitting for 12 hours straight, however I managed to entertain myself by watching Son of Rambow on repeat. When I wasn't doing that, I was sleeping in 20 minute intervals.

I have no idea of what's going on here. I am so confused. I suppose that is because the only Korean word I know is "Annyong" and that's only because of Arrested Development. Kat still has to teach half days for the rest of this week, so I'm on my own until noon or 1. I feel like leaving her apartment will result in my getting lost. Maybe I'll wait until tomorrow to attempt such a feat. 

Handsome Furs - Face Control

Wolf Parade is hands down one of my favorite bands. Out of their many side projects, which are all fantastic in their own way, Handsome Furs is definitely my favorite.

Face Control, an album I have been extremely excited for, recently leaked on the Internet and I can't stop listening to it. I love Plague Park, but I'm starting to prefer Face Control over it. It has a more layered feel and both the vocals and instruments (especially that drum machine!) are more powerful. Not only that, but the tracks flow together more evenly and I just think that it's a stronger album overall. Also, the fact that the album was inspired from their trip to Russia is incredible, because I have this strange obsession with Russia and things pertaining to it. Don't even getting me started on Matryoshkas. Oh and I can't forget the New Order reference they threw in there either. 

I saw Handsome Furs last year at SXSW, but unfortunately their set was cut short due to time restraints. I didn't get to enjoy their set as much as I would have liked, as I was overcome with waves of nausea from a Thai dinner, and when that wasn't happening, I was too busy staring at Hadji who was rocking out by the side of the stage, or embarrassing myself in front of Britt Daniel. So needless to say, I want to see them again. I know they've announced a handful of tourdates, but no NYC one yet. I'm sure in a matter of time one will be announced. Or I hope so.

Until then, I will be waiting patiently and longing for a drum machine.

I don't know how grading works at New School and frankly, I'm not going to question it.

Understanding Media Studies = Pass

Media Practices: Concepts = A-

Media Studies: Ideas = A

3.85 for my first semester of Grad school? Yes please!

Apparently, Mace is illegal in NYC for private citizens. That's understandable, as there are so many crazies here, and giving them access to Mace and pepper spray could cause some trouble.

Despite that, I need some. Thank goodness for the internet.

I don't want to get into details or to get all personal, as this blog was mainly created for an academic assignment, but I feel that this is something important to talk about.

I was briefly assaulted Friday night in Brooklyn. My friends and I were lost and unable to hail a cab that was take us back to Manhattan. I panicked and I know that the man that attacked me picked up on that. All I can think of is my high school Health classes and how my teachers always said to try and remain calm in situations as to not attract attention and possibly provoke an attack. Of course, in those classes, we also discussed self-defense techniques and I didn't do anything of the sort. What if he had a weapon? That's all I can think about.

I'm fine now and I'll be o.k., but I do not wish an experience like that on anyone. I know what happened to me is probably minor compared to what other people have experienced who have been in similar situations, but I still feel violated. I'm mostly disgusted that things like this happen frequently; it's so wrong and degrading and something needs to be done about it.

I should have filed a police report, but I didn't. Honestly, I didn't get a good look at the man who assaulted me.

What's done is done, and I will say that this was definitely a learning experience and an eye-opener for me.

I'll feel better once I get my hands on some Mace.

"This is, excuse me, a damn fine cup of coffee..."

One thing I recently acquired over this past holiday season was Twin Peaks: The Definitive Gold Box Edition. The amount of times I watch this show from start to finish is sickening. In fact, I just finished doing that again.

I first started watching the show towards the end of this past spring, as one of my friends owned the box set, and she was kind enough to lend it to me. I was hooked immediately. 

Everything about the show; the writing, acting, cinematography, and music, is just brilliant. It's unfortunate that the quality of the show declined midway through the second season, where the story lines became more outrageous and more special guests were featured. After watching the special features and commentary, it's just so sad to hear and see what happened to the series.

There's just so much that I wish was expanded upon and explained more in depth. I hate how the series ended. At least David Lynch went out in a blaze of glory.

Despite all that, I will still continue to watch the series obsessively. And yes, I want to go to the Twin Peaks Fest at some point.