amakaslens

I'm not surprised. It is ridiculous for this to happen. In the middle of the day, as well!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7550969.stm

This article mentions that foreign related murders or attacks are rare in China but, I doubt it. Only a few weeks ago a girl from my hometown, who went to Shanghai on the presumption that she'd model and feel the glitz and glamor she experienced on Milan runways, was thrown into less than she agreed to and was forced to dance in clubs instead. Her life came to an end as someone murdered her in a stairway after having robbed her apartment.

Although, it's not to the same degree or amount of seriousness, I felt really unsafe being alone in China. After going there, I was also told by a man who retired US Army Special Forces that many foreigners, especially white girls in Shanghai, go missing. I suspect that we simply don't even hear about it because China covers it up, or information to aid in an investigation, is not granted. Just like North Korea denying the South access to the area where a South Korean woman was shot and killed...

I'm sure we'll hear about many more problems in Beijing. Their culture's history sets themselves up for friction with foreigners. There's seemingly friction here in Taiwan. Not only was the Chinese Taiwan Olympic team very small, but I may as well have talked to the wall when inquiring if anyone at work had watched the opening ceremony. I think no one here is interested.

Are you surprised hungry people are angry?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7539368.stm

I love Korea.
However, I'm glad their economy has suffered just like the rest of the world. They've been far too cocky.

Nice.
Throw a bunch of Korean kids that likely can't swim into the water.
You'll be stronger!
...or drown.

Daebu-do is nice though:)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080723.wdip0724/PhotoGallery02

Leader of a Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- type church...
(well, kind of like the weirdo polygamist sects)

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/07/19/moon.crash.ap/index.html

Something strange...for sure....

Still developing my thoughts; must be documented.

I'm receiving endless amusement from this part of the world.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7511065.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7511345.stm   (I doubt this is a coincidence)

On the other hand...I'm finding it difficult to think that, at this present time there is some kind of surge in news stories. Several incidences in the past have pointed toward or referenced censorship, control of media and lack of freedom of speech in South Korea so, now I'm thinking  many stories about South Korea are simply not accessible in South Korea. At least, those not published in South Korea.

For even the little time I've been out of South Korea, it seems that the country is politically different than what it felt like inside it. I'll write about this more another time but, for now all I have to say is that, it is a bit strange.

*

Typhoon Kalmaegi is coming to Taipei tonight. I suspect there will be no work tomorrow. As long as there aren't earthquakes as well, I'll be fine.
Last week, there was crazy thunder and lightening and an earthquake. I don't like the later much:s

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On another note: I've had a rather busy and over eventful couple of years. I'm happy to rest. I actually no longer have the money to be 'eventful'.
However, I do want this to be my last year away.

How easy it is to not be recognized and or simply forgotten.

Yup...not surprised.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7501102.stm

But, rather fishy...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7501126.stm

Wouldn't this be seen as a good reason to fall back on the stricter sanctions?

Although I support carefully controlled and quarantined beef imports to South Korea, I can see why South Koreans aren't so fond of Lee, Myung Bak.