Gunsanity

Preamble: In an effort to improve my Korean writing skill, as well as help korean friends/readers, I will attempt to write future posts in both English and Korean. I apologize in advance for any childish or unusual phrasings. Update: Since I wrote the first draft of this, there have been numerous shootings reported all over the news. Despite the time it took to finalize this and write it in Korean, the train of thought,  remains the same. In general, I try to keep my political values to myself. Partly do to the fact that they are under developed and under researched but also partly to allow for the expression of other views. However, with the recent string of excessive gun violence and preposterous nonsense that the media intentionally pulls out of that, I'd just like to make one point. Before I get there though, I'd like to say that this theme of gun violence is one that I am glad to be far away from, and one of the reasons I have no desire to return to the insanity of America just now. (there is virtually gun attacks here in Korea, on account of gun ownership policy, see these links: Ask a Korean , Gun Policy in Korea)  Recently (end of July), there was a shooting at a Louisiana cinema, inside the theater shortly after the movie started. Thankfully, despite the great potential for loss of life, only a few souls were lost. The event itself is seemingly becoming more and more commonplace in America, but what struck me was the comment of one of the witnesses said when interviewed shortly after the incident took place. The comment was that "if everyone was carrying [a gun] this wouldn't have happened." The issue I want to talk about is the logic of this statement, one that is heard quite frequently after such instances. Admittedly, I have never hunted and never really fired a gun. (Does air rifle practice count?) I am trying to understand the rationale of those who think that having multiple people carrying firearms would have prevented anything. So, the question: When you are out in the city, in a dark room, enjoying some relaxing time with your family, how exactly is having a firearm in your purse/manbag/etc. going to help matters? Taking a closer look at this comment, the interviewee could have been implying that guns would dissuade this kind of crime. There are arguments that claim criminals would not carry out a crime if guns were known to be present. In fact, some studies based on interviews of criminals do support this claim. However these recent situations have been created by a desperate or mad man, not subject to rational risk evaluation analysis. Therefore that is a mute point in this matter. The same goes for many shootings involving extremists. Ownership of guns will not make one iota of difference in such crimes.   Returning back to the original comment, the interviewee could have been implying that loss of life could have been prevented or minimized by citizen police action (self defense). Which brings me back to the theater. Its dark. You are shocked. The whole room is no doubt in chaos. Are you Walker (Texas Ranger)? Are you Mr. Steven Seagall? Are you a trained military personnel or police officer that is expected to act cool and rational in such a situation? Is the average person able to respond in the proper level headed manner in such a situation? Now suppose several people thought they were going to be brave and pulled out their firearm, which they had been hiding from their children until now. That's alright, take your time pulling it out of the bottom of your purse. (Where would men and women keep concealed firearms?) Finally, you got your lucky charm out of that bag, and you are thinking to yourself "I'm so happy I brought this with me. Now I'm gonna get him"? If this is your first thought kudos to you. If you took the time to learn how to shoot the gun, two stars for you. Now you go off and fearlessly shoot that [insert expletive here] while he may or may not be shooting at you. Now, I'm not saying this scenario is impossible but it does seem like a lot of ifs with potential for a lot to go wrong. If there are several people brandishing weapons, to the untrained and panicked eye, doesn't it suddenly become much less obvious who the bad guy is? We should really require him (or her) to wear a black shirt with glow in the dark print stating "Bad Guy in the House", but I digress. In such an instance, isn't there a high likelihood of innocent victims getting caught in a crossfire? I am not arguing for a ban on firearms. Historically it has been a basic right granted to all free Americans (probably would be flamed by some members of the family). I am also not necessarily advocating for stricter gun controls (though gun return events are not a bad way to prevent accidental incidents). In fact, based on numerous NPR interviews I have heard, those gun shops that do follow the rules are highly regulated. The trouble with the controls appears to be the lack of consistent and thorough enforcement at the federal level. But the real point of this is that the common gut instinct reaction that owning a gun would have prevented this. . . Is simply flawed logic, vomit being regurgitated from our pre-programmed brains, fed by our friend, the mass media. Lets make intelligent, informed decisions about this, and not get caught up with the bandwagon of the latest keywords to be slung around. Slapping on a bandaid solution of gun prohibition, or gun exhibitionism for that matter, is not the solution.(Though according to my dear brother, guns are necessary in a zombie apocalypse. Another topic altogether.)   Further links to Gun Control below: Wikipedia American Gun Facts Gun Violence

한국어 작문 실력 향상을 위해 앞으로는 영어 그리고 한국어로 쓰려한다. 부족한 한국어에 대해 미리 양해를 부탁하고 시작할까 한다. 물론 더 매끄럽고 올바른 표현을 알라주시면 감사하겠습니다.   업데이트: 이 글을 처음 시작했을때부터 총기 사건이 많이 발생했다. 비단 이사건뿐만 아니고 전반적으로 동일하게 적용할 수 있다. 보통 나의 정치적인 생각을 막 여기저기 이야기하는 스타일은 아니지만, 요즘 총격 사건이 많이 발생해 이야기를 나누고 싶다. 일단, 한국에 살고 있어서 다행이라고 생각하고 있다. 한국에서는 총을 소유하는것은 쉽지 않기 때문에 이런 뉴스가 많지 않다.          최근에, (7월말에) 미국 루이지아나주 한 극장에서 총격 사건이 발생했다. 9명이 부상 당했고 2명이 사망했다. 다행히 더 이상의 사망자는 없었다.  하지만 총격 사건이 발생 후 한 인터뷰어의 이야기가 충격적이었다. 그것은 "만약에 시민들이 다 총을 가지고 있었으면 이런 사건이 발생하지 않았을 것이다 "라는 것이였다. 사실은 인터뷰한 피해자 뿐만 아니라 많은 미국인들은 이런 생각을 가지고 있다. 정확히 이런 생각에 대해 이야기 하고 싶다.    사실 나는 한 번도 총을 쏴 본 적이 없다. 미국에서 군복무를 하지도 않았고 사냥을 해 본 적도 없어서 이해할 수 없지만  그 주장에 담긴 논리를 알고 싶다.  시민들이 다 극장에 갈 때 총을 가져가면 정확히 어떻게 도움이 될까 생각해보자.    인터뷰에 나온 코멘트를 좀 더 생각해보면 관점은 두가지가 나올 수 있다. 첫번째, 일반 대중은 총을 가지고 있으면 리스크가 있어서 범죄자들이 이런 범죄를 단념하게 될 수 있다는 것이다. 사실 범죄자들을 조사했을때 시민들이 다 총을 가지고 있었으면 범죄를 안 했을 것 같다고 대부분 답변을 했다. 그렇지만 최근에 발생한 총격 사건들은 대부분 일반 범죄자가 아니라 종교적 과격주의자였다. 본인 삶을 포기하고 가장 큰 충격을 남기는 목표로 계획을 짠다. 이런 마음을 가지고 있는 범죄자한테는 일반 대중이 총이 있어도 영향이 별로 없다고 생각 한다. 두번째, 만약에 시민들이 총을 가지고 있었으면 이런 상황에 정당방위로 총을 꺼내 쏘고 희생자는 좀 줄일 수 있었을 것이다.   그럼 생각해보자. 어두운 방에 있다.   총 소리때문에 충격을 받았다.   옆에 누가 크게 울부짖고 있다. 상황이 아주 혼돈스럽다.   혹시 너희는 월커 텍사스 랜저야? 스티븐 시걸이야? 이런 상황에 대한 교육과 실습을 해 봤지? 내 생각에 일반 대중은 이런 상황에서 냉정히 반응하지 않을 것이다. 그래도 자신감 있어서 애들이랑 같이 극장에 왔는데 물론 가방안에서 총도 챙겼겠지? 그럼 가방에서 총을 꺼내야겠다고 생각 하는 거지?     범죄자가 계속 총을 쏘고 옆에 애들은 울고 있는데 가방안쪽에 있는 총을 꺼내고 있는것은 아주 대단하네! 참, 가방이 왜 이렇게 깊지? 다음에 백화점에 갈때 다른 것을 찾아야겠다. ~아싸! 찾았다! <삭제된 비속어> 어디 갔지? (애들이 욕을 못 들었겠지?) 이런! 이제 다섯명정도 총을 들고 있는데 범죄자가 누구지? 아니, 그는 집을 떠났을 때 "범죄자 여기 있다" 써있는 티셔츠를 왜 안 입었지? 이런 상황에서 회생자를 좀 줄일 수 있는 것 같지 않다고 생각 한다. 역사적으로 총을 소유하는 것은 미국의 기본적인 권리라서 총기 소유를 금지 하는것은 지지할 수 없다.  더 엄격한 총포규체법도 무의미하다. 사실 NPR를 들으면 규칙을 따르는 가게들은 총포규체법때문에 많이 힘든데 한결같은 집행이 되지 않는 것은 문제다. 그것은 맞긴 한데 우리가 이 문제의 근원을 무시하면 총이 있든지 없든지, 상관 없이 이런 사건이 계속 발생 할 것이다. 총기를 소유하는것은 이런 상황에 도움이 전혀 안된다. (그렇지만 동생의 의견에 따라면 좀비 어포컬립스에는 총기가 필수다.)

Baekjae Traditions 백제의 문화

Spoiler alert: The following contains bits of truth entwined in a string of fabrications. Or is it the other way around? You determine what is true and what is not.

One week before my wedding, my mom visited Korea and we went to Jeonju city. Upon arrival, we went to the hotel, which was a small traditional house. The room was very small, with no additional room to the right or to the left. My mom, surprised, looked around and said "There isn't even a bed! How can all three of us sleep in such a small room?" After we spread out the thick padded sleeping pads and blanket, she slowly began to understand, but it was clear that we needed to explain some more. After explaining traditional Korean lifestyle, she tried it firsthand.
나는 결혼 하기 일주전에 내 어머니가 방한중에 (방문) 같이 전주시에 갔다. 숙소는 전통집으로 한 방을 빌렸는데 서관도 없었고 동관도 없어서 어머니는 깜짝 놀으셨다. "침대도 없는데 우리 셋이 어떻게 이런 조금한 방에서 잘 수 있어?" 라고 물어보셨다. 우리 요랑 이블이 펴지는 순간에 어머니 얼굴에 극적인 표정이 나타났다. 이해 하실 수 있도록 한국에 전통적인 의식주문화 교육 절차를 밟은 후 직접 체험을 하셨더.
Traditional Korean Lifestyle:
한국의 전통적인 의식주문화:
I explained that during the Three Kingdom period in Korea, the area around Jeonju belonged to the Baekjae Kingdom. Compared to Shilla and Gogurya Kingdoms, Baekjae was a lot smaller, but because of the western coastline, trade with China, Thailand, and much farther countries thrived and Baekjae was much wealthier than its larger neighbors. The western sea was so important to Baekjae that every night before they went to sleep, the citizens would bow to the west and lye down facing east, in order to see the first rays of light the next day. On the first day of every year, in order to show their  wealth, the citizens would take beautiful pottery and earnestly throw it at the east wall of their homes where they would shatter into tiny pieces. This is what I explained to my mom.
나는 삼국시대에 전랴도가 백제의 지역이였다고 설명했다. 백제는 신라와 고구려 보다 활씬 더 작았는데 서해 옆에 있어서 중국, 태국, 그리고 더 먼 나라하고 무역이 잘 돼서 주변 보다 아주 부유한 나라였다. 서해는 그들에게 아주 중요하기 때문에 밤마다 자기전 서해쪽에 절을 하고 다음 날 해가 뜨는 것을 볼 수 있게 누웠다. 그리고 새해 첫일출때, 풍부한 부를 보여주기 위해 도자기를 간절히 동쪽 벽에 던지고부서뜨렸다고 어머니에게 설명을 했다.
The next morning the owner of the home brought us breakfast. On a very small table were many different kinds of side dishes, such as grilled fish, radish kimchi, kimchi, beans, peanuts, bean sprouts, etc. etc. Each side dish was in its individual porcelain plate. Suddenly, remembering the lesson from yesterday, my mom took the bean sprout dish and threw it hard at the wall. The dish shattered and the wall was stained with bean sprout juice. It was such a dramatic scene that I, my girlfriend, and the home owner were all shocked into silence. But when my mom, with a beaming smile on her face, bent down to reach for the kimchi plate, we all moved at the same time to stop her from throwing it. The side dishes on the table were scattered everywhere. Of course, the owner of the house was furious with us. After I appologized profusely, and my girlfriend explained everything to her, there was a long pause and then suddenly, the woman burst out laughing.
다음날 아침에 집주인이 아침밥을 가져오셨다. 조금한 식탁에 갈치조림, 무김치, 콩, 전, 콩나물, 등등이 있었고 각각예쁜 접시에 담아 있었다. 급작스럽게 전날밤 설명을 따라서 내 어머니콩나물을 담은 접시를 잡으시고 벽에 던지셨다. 접시가 부서졌고 벽이 콩나물로 얼룩지게 됐다.너무 극적인 상황이라서 처음에는 나, 내 여자친구, 그리고 집주인 3이다 충격을 받았다. 하지만 밝은 얼굴을 가지신 내 어머니는 김치를 담은 접시를 잡으시려고 허리를 굽히셨을때 던지지 못 하시게 우리 3이 다 동시에 뛰었다. 우리 사이에 있었던 음식이 흩어지게 되었다. 물론 집주인은 우리에게 너무 격분하셨다. 내가 사과를 한 후에 여자친구는 아줌마한테 급하게 설명을 한후에 아줌마는 갑자기 까르르 웃음을 터뜨렸다.
Nowadays, any time we feel like going on vacation, and have no plans, we make sure to buy a pretty dish and head to Jeonju.
만약에 어느 주말에 계획을 없는데 여행을 가고 싶으면 예쁜 접시를 사고 전주시로 간다.

The above story is purely practice in using the following vocabulary:
서관 west wing
동관 east wing
극적 dramatic
절차를 밟다 follow procedures
간절히 earnestly
흩어지다 to scatter
Additional vocabulary learned:
까르르 웃음을 터뜨렸다 burst out laughing
격분하다 to be furious
굽히다 to bend over
부유하다 wealthy
풍부하다 abundant
의식주 문화 (clothes, food, home) lifestyle culture

Potato Plethora

"a total of 6+ rows of
delightful potato hunting"

Here's the deal. I need your advice. Your own, personal recommendation. You see, now is the start of monsoon season. Every year, just before monsoon season is the potato harvest. This year, due to my return from Mongolia, my father-in-law decided to plant an extra two rows of potatoes, for a total of 6 rows + of delightful potato hunting. After 12+ hours of digging in the hot sun, that equates to roughly 22 boxes of white and red potatoes.

"I am only burdened with one
box of potatoes for now"

Luckily, I am only burdened with one box of potatoes for now, and yes, they can keep for quite a while. However, in celebration of all of our toil and troubles, sweat off our brow and pain in our backs, I feel it is only right to perform a closing ceremony of sorts, an ode to the potato. This is where I am looking for your advice. What would be the most appropriate ode to the potato.

Gnocchi has already been attempted as an ode, however, while delicious, it fell short of the requirements for such a prestigious title. Given that it was the first attempt for either me or my wife to make gnocchi, I would say the results were quite satisfying, even though the texture was most certainly not traditional Italian gnocchi. however, I would like to stretch further it further. To what extreme can the humble potato take you? 

  

As a side note, please be aware of the Korean Radish. These little things (and little is not being used in the descriptive sense) have been known to trap small dogs, squirrels, and even stray babies in their leaves and devour them fully within their vast and deep bodies. This particular one was as long as my elbow to stretched out finger tips, without considering the leaves above. Parents watch your children carefully. Dog owners, I recommend taking them to the park instead.

Exploring a new frontier: Steel Wool Photography

A new discovery - Steel Wool Photography, a very unique and fun technique akin to light painting. The equipment for steel wool photography are as follows:

• Camera with manual functions, particularly long exposures
• Tripod
• Cable release or remote release highly recommended
• Steel wool (the finer the grade the better, 00 or 0000)
• Whisk or other device for holding wool, preferably not flammable
• Non-flammable cable or rope
• lighter or 9V battery
• fire extinguisher, water bucket, wet towel, something to control fire emergencies
• creative personality that verges on pyromaniac
• similarly disposed assistant highly recommended
• safe location with low traffic

How to do Steel Wool Photography? There are numerous sites out there explaining it step by step in more thorough detail than me, but here is the essentials.

Buy steel wool! Unfortunately, in a country like Mongolia or Korea, that is easier said than done. It appears the entire country of Mongolia does not know what steel wool is, nor is it sold there. It is also not commonly found in South Korea, however, after a six month search on foot, I was finally able to locate some online for a few cheon won (cheon is the korean equivalent to 1000, 1000 won is roughly equal to 1 dollar).

Next step, find a location. The ideal location should have few lights overhead, low volume of traffic (as this reduces risk of fire accident as well as risk of visit by local law enforcement), and low risk of fire (middle of grasslands plains in the middle of a 6 month drought would not be recommended). In Korea, satisfying these criteria is really not so easy to do, however, luckily there are a few bridges over streams near our apartment that have sand beds that make for perfect location with few peeping eyes.


Last step, just for safety, is wait for a rain to dampen everything, reducing the risk of unintentional fires. And the results of all this effort are an amazing experience with great results. Or in our case, amazing experience with out of focus results. But it was our first time, really just a trial run for next week, where I will spend the day digging up potatoes at her dad's farm and the night we shall use the farm as a backdrop for this!

During the session, it is important to note that if you want to focus, or see anything, you should change the ISO settings to the highest you can to take sample shots for framing. After you take these samples, DON'T FORGET TO CHANGE THE ISO. Unfortunately one of my shots was taken at ISO 800, leaving it too bright to use untouched. Additionally, with ISO 100, shutter speed ranged from 10 to 15 seconds typically. In order to capture the whole image in focus, the aperture should probably be around f/22. I am only guessing that based on my failure with f/8.

Note: no animals were hurt during this experiment. This includes burning of fur of cats and dogs, burning feathers of ducks, burning scales of fish, and burning skin or clothing of homosapiens. This clause excludes any harm that may have befallen mosquitoes, flys, and other unseen insects in the nearby facility. Sorry Charlotte and Jiminy Cricket!