STOP using the word HELLA so much...(But gosh I luv that word).
It's a California thing.
That's buttery (hella) good.
That's spoofy (hella) good.
That's sprinkly (hella) good.
That's dumb (hella) good.
That's hecka (hella) good.
That's titanium (hella) good
Got it! Raineous?
That's raineous good.
urrrggggg.....
Best year so far FOR ME.
All of 2008 from Jan-Dec 2008 (2008 seriously spoiled me. From making a ton of new friends to going to Mexico, to interning at ABC, to graduating, to moving to Korea, to seeing people be happy because of me, to getting a bunch of free stuff, i.e Disneyland tix, a camera, much much more. I Love 2008!)
Most of 2007
part of 2004
part of 2005
And of course 2003
No worst or bad year yet. A not so good year 2006.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
The unexpected card.
Weird, I cc an email a couple weeks ago to everyone in my address book online. And today I got a card from someone I least expected the most. It was from a lady that I met on my way back from Europe with my dad a year ago. We had quite a journey together. We exchanged info. Kept in touch for awhile. Lost touch. And now I got a Christmas card from her in Korea....;i Bad plane experience, but through that I met a good encounter. I Can't believe she still remembers me. For a minute, I almost forgot who she was...I guess every experience is a social opportunity.
Mushroom Head Koreans
The mushroom hair cut is a very popular style in Korea for guys and girls...umm...can I say lol/different?... Some odd reason, these Koreans look right with them...;?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Ho Ho Ho...
It doesn't feel like Christmas cause I'm not with my family and it's a couple's thing in Korea. Oh well...I'm off to a feast!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Time for some undercover fun.
Now that I have a press badge, maybe I'll get free VIP access in Korea...lol....let's see if this will work. Now on to making the website.
Freelance Press
Freelance Press
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Korea, the land of love, happiness, and giving...24/7
GIVING
-I bought an eyeliner, they gave me free cotton and some lotion.
-I was waiting in line at Kirspy Kreme and they gave me a free donut. ( I tested this theory out at 3 different Krispy Kreme locations and all 3 gave me a free donut just for waiting in line. Of course they are expecting you to buy something.)
-I got my hair done, they gave me a mini-pocket brush/mirror.
-I bought a cake from Paris Baguette, they gave me a free Christmas hat.
-I went to a spa, they gave me free coffee.
-My friend bought a laptop, they gave her free computer accessories.
LOVE
-Every holiday here is a couple's holiday. Christmas is for couples, Thanksgiving is for couples. Korea is a couple's country.
HAPPINESS
-Everyone here are so well-behaved.
-Very honest people. seriously
-Haven't seen or heard of any local crime yet.
-Koreans are ALL about being "CUTE".
My Confirmed stereotypes of Korea.
-Every Korean in Korea brushes their teeth 3 times a day. The theory has been proven.
-It's like all Koreans have the same personality.
-Everyone is very fashionable, but it's all the same fashion.
-People here eat, think, sleep, and look alike. There's seriously no diversity.
-All Korean guys are whipped by their girls.
-All Korean guys and girls are self-absorb.
-They do everything by the book. i.e if it's not summer, they won't go to the beach even if it's a warm fall/winter. BUT when it's winter, Korean girls wear skirts.
-Korea is a hat and black tights country as oppose to America (demi-blue jeans and a white tee).
-There's no such thing as a personal space in Korea.
The giving part I like. And don't get me wrong cause I love Korea, but this heaven-like place is starting to annoy me in some ways.
Everything here is SO SWEET Literally. The candy, the food, the people, the clothes, even their chili. The food are spicy in a sweet way, can't really explain it. Where are the rest of the flavors.
Korea reminds me of the movie The Stepford Wives.
Something very random: Cigarettes here are ONLY two bucks.
-I bought an eyeliner, they gave me free cotton and some lotion.
-I was waiting in line at Kirspy Kreme and they gave me a free donut. ( I tested this theory out at 3 different Krispy Kreme locations and all 3 gave me a free donut just for waiting in line. Of course they are expecting you to buy something.)
-I got my hair done, they gave me a mini-pocket brush/mirror.
-I bought a cake from Paris Baguette, they gave me a free Christmas hat.
-I went to a spa, they gave me free coffee.
-My friend bought a laptop, they gave her free computer accessories.
LOVE
-Every holiday here is a couple's holiday. Christmas is for couples, Thanksgiving is for couples. Korea is a couple's country.
HAPPINESS
-Everyone here are so well-behaved.
-Very honest people. seriously
-Haven't seen or heard of any local crime yet.
-Koreans are ALL about being "CUTE".
My Confirmed stereotypes of Korea.
-Every Korean in Korea brushes their teeth 3 times a day. The theory has been proven.
-It's like all Koreans have the same personality.
-Everyone is very fashionable, but it's all the same fashion.
-People here eat, think, sleep, and look alike. There's seriously no diversity.
-All Korean guys are whipped by their girls.
-All Korean guys and girls are self-absorb.
-They do everything by the book. i.e if it's not summer, they won't go to the beach even if it's a warm fall/winter. BUT when it's winter, Korean girls wear skirts.
-Korea is a hat and black tights country as oppose to America (demi-blue jeans and a white tee).
-There's no such thing as a personal space in Korea.
The giving part I like. And don't get me wrong cause I love Korea, but this heaven-like place is starting to annoy me in some ways.
Everything here is SO SWEET Literally. The candy, the food, the people, the clothes, even their chili. The food are spicy in a sweet way, can't really explain it. Where are the rest of the flavors.
Korea reminds me of the movie The Stepford Wives.
Something very random: Cigarettes here are ONLY two bucks.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
My Disney Cartoon.
Aside from Aladdin and many other Disney moives, this one is also at the top of my list. I showed this to my class today. The rest are on the second vid.
Top 20 disney movies. I agree, but my top is Aladdin.
Top 20 disney movies. I agree, but my top is Aladdin.
New project for a new purpose.
Inspiration has decided to come out and play, but creativity is still peeking at the door.
A peek at creativity:
"Bobby Wobby, the the puggy wuggy."
A peek at creativity:
"Bobby Wobby, the the puggy wuggy."
Monday, December 15, 2008
A saying from Kungfu Panda.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why it is the present.
I luv it {:
I luv it {:
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I'm Sad.
Just heard some really disturbing news from my sister today about my dad's illness as well as other predicaments. If things doesn't get better, I might just have to breach my contract after six months and go back home at the end of February. My family is more important...sigh***
Interesting.....
Watching Pineapple Express....lol...this movie is some good stuff.
Anyways, I never realized this before, but it just triggered me. I'm actually living in the future and when I talk to someone back home, I'm actually talking to the past. And I can say I've been a millionair before (in won of course)...;).It is so cool to think of it that way.
Randomness: I disappointed a friend and myself today. I didn't stick to my words. I went SHOPPING in Korea. So now I have to figure out how I'm going to fit everything in my suitcase when I go back. I couldn't resist it. I guess aside from being an electronic fanatic, I'm also a fashion fanatic? Or maybe I'm just a shopaholic period. Hmmm
Anyways, I never realized this before, but it just triggered me. I'm actually living in the future and when I talk to someone back home, I'm actually talking to the past. And I can say I've been a millionair before (in won of course)...;).It is so cool to think of it that way.
Randomness: I disappointed a friend and myself today. I didn't stick to my words. I went SHOPPING in Korea. So now I have to figure out how I'm going to fit everything in my suitcase when I go back. I couldn't resist it. I guess aside from being an electronic fanatic, I'm also a fashion fanatic? Or maybe I'm just a shopaholic period. Hmmm
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Tuesdays with Morrie
Finished reading: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Alborn.
This is truly an amazing book. It is one of the best books I have ever read. It is the first book ever in my life that has made me cry. It is a very enlightening and heart touching book. I hear the message loud and clear and because I read this book while I'm living abroad, the message is amplified and I can fully absorb it.
Below are some of the topics discussed in the book and my favorite quotes. I would love to have a deep conversation about these topics with a close friend/family/soul-mate one day.
-The World
"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and let it come in."-Regrets
"Let it come in. We think we don't deserve love, we think if we let it in we'll become too soft. But a wise man named Levine said it right. He said, 'Love is the only rational act.'"
"We're so wrapped up with egotistical things, career, family, having enough money, meeting the mortgage, getting a new car, fixing the radiator when it breaks---we're involved in trillions of little acts just to keep going. So we don't get into the habit of standing back and looking at our lives and saying, Is this all? Is this all I want? Is something missing?"-Death
"Everyone knows they're going to die, but no one believes it. If we did, we would do things differently."-Family
"We're too involved with materialistic things, and they don't satisfy us. The loving relationship we have, the universe around us. we take those things for granted."
"Yes. I look out that window everyday. I notice the changes in the trees, how strong the wind is blowing. It's as if I can see time actually passing through that window-pane."
"If you don't have the support and love and caring and concern that you get from a family, you don't have much at all. Love is so supremely important."-Emotions
"If you hold back on the emotions--if you don't allow yourself to go all the way through them--you can never get to being detached, you're too busy being afraid. You're afraid of the grief. You're afraid of the vulnerability that loving entails."-Fear of aging
"But by throwing yourself into these emotions, by allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your head even, you experience them fully and completely. You know what pain is. You know what love is. You know what grief is. And only you can say, 'All right. I have experienced that emotion. I recognize that emotion. Now I need to detach from my emotion for a moment."
"The truth is, when our mothers held us, rocked us, stroked our heads--none of us ever got enough of that. We all yearn in some way to return to those days when we were completely taken cared of--unconditional love, unconditional attention."-The perfect day
"It's very simple. As you grow, you learn more. If you stayed at twenty-two, you'd always be as ignorant as you were at twenty-two. Aging is not just decay, you know. It's growth. It's more than negative that you're going to die, it's also positive that you understand you're going to die, and that you live a better life because of it."
"When people say, 'oh if I were young again,' it reflects unsatisfied lives. Unfulfilled lives. lives that haven't found meaning. Because if you found meaning in your life, you don't want to go back. You want to go forward. You want to see more and do more."
"I'd get up in the morning, do my exercises, have breakfast of sweet rolls and tea, go for a swim, then have my friends come over for a nice lunch. I'd have them come one or two at a time so we could talk about their families, their issues, talk about how much we mean to each other. Then I'd go for a walk, in a garden with some trees, watch colors, watch birds, take in the nature. In the evening, we'd all go together to a restaurant with some great pasta, maybe some duck--and then we'd dance the rest of the night. Then I'd go home and have a deep sleep."-Say good-bye
"There is no such in as 'too late' in life"I think the most precious gift someone can give to anyone is TIME. Therefore, I plan to devote more of my time with the people I love and care about. When I get home, I want to hug a little longer, talk a little longer, smile a little longer, kiss a little longer, appreciate a little more, love a little more, and learn how to explore more of my emotions. And one day I too, want to have a perfect day. Hopefully it'll sooner than later.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wal-Mart worker killed?
-----Despite the current logistics of today's US economy, I am astound by such savage behaviors imposed by shoppers of Wal-Mart on the night after Thanksgiving known as "Black Friday," leading a man to his early grave. Considering the current state of the US economy, I speculated that this holiday season would be filled with the soft sound of Autumn leaves breezing through the holiday streets, less people drowning in the consumption of holiday's propaganda due to our low economical proceedings, and melancholy faces bewildered by the fact that this holiday will actually be less of a holiday. However; to my dismay, nothing has changed. People are still the same selfish and hungry materialistic creatures that we are. Even with the sight of another person's death right before their eyes, people are still able to unsympathetically ask if they could continue with their shopping. It's a conspiracy! What is this world really coming to? -Dara
"NEW YORK – Police were reviewing video from surveillance cameras in an attempt to identify who trampled to death a Wal-Mart worker after a crowd of post-Thanksgiving shoppers burst through the doors at a suburban store and knocked him down.
Criminal charges were possible, but identifying individual shoppers in Friday's video may prove difficult, said Detective Lt. Michael Fleming, a Nassau County police spokesman.
Other workers were trampled as they tried to rescue the man, and customers stepped over him and became irate when officials said the store was closing because of the death, police and witnesses said.
At least four other people, including a woman who was eight months pregnant, were taken to hospitals for observation or minor injuries. The store in Valley Stream on Long Island closed for several hours before reopening.
Police said about 2,000 people were gathered outside the Wal-Mart doors before its 5 a.m. opening at a mall about 20 miles east of Manhattan. The impatient crowd knocked the employee, identified by police as Jdimytai Damour, to the ground as he opened the doors, leaving a metal portion of the frame crumpled like an accordion.
"This crowd was out of control," Fleming said. He described the scene as "utter chaos," and said the store didn't have enough security.
Dozens of store employees trying to fight their way out to help Damour were also getting trampled by the crowd, Fleming said. Shoppers stepped over the man on the ground and streamed into the store."-By COLLEEN LONG, Associated Press Write
Click the picture below to see the full article.
"NEW YORK – Police were reviewing video from surveillance cameras in an attempt to identify who trampled to death a Wal-Mart worker after a crowd of post-Thanksgiving shoppers burst through the doors at a suburban store and knocked him down.
Criminal charges were possible, but identifying individual shoppers in Friday's video may prove difficult, said Detective Lt. Michael Fleming, a Nassau County police spokesman.
Other workers were trampled as they tried to rescue the man, and customers stepped over him and became irate when officials said the store was closing because of the death, police and witnesses said.
At least four other people, including a woman who was eight months pregnant, were taken to hospitals for observation or minor injuries. The store in Valley Stream on Long Island closed for several hours before reopening.
Police said about 2,000 people were gathered outside the Wal-Mart doors before its 5 a.m. opening at a mall about 20 miles east of Manhattan. The impatient crowd knocked the employee, identified by police as Jdimytai Damour, to the ground as he opened the doors, leaving a metal portion of the frame crumpled like an accordion.
"This crowd was out of control," Fleming said. He described the scene as "utter chaos," and said the store didn't have enough security.
Dozens of store employees trying to fight their way out to help Damour were also getting trampled by the crowd, Fleming said. Shoppers stepped over the man on the ground and streamed into the store."-By COLLEEN LONG, Associated Press Write
Click the picture below to see the full article.
Alvin and the Chipmunks 2007
One of my favorite movies. I miss watching the actual cartoon. I grew up on watching Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. I wouldn't mind reliving my childhood days. Those were the days. Playing kick ball out side, watching Sailor moon, Captain planet, playing pogs, listening to new kids on the block. ahhhh..good memories ...=}
Below is the full verison of Alvin and the Chipmunks 2007. I want to share it so enjoy!
Watch Video
Below is the full verison of Alvin and the Chipmunks 2007. I want to share it so enjoy!
Watch Video
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving with the Bay Folks
So today is the official Thanksgiving Day. I just got back from having dinner with my Bay Area friends. When we got to Itawon, we went searching for a Thanksgiving special. Unfortunately we couldn't find anything. In the end we settled for Outback Steakhouse.
I thought I was going to have to spend my Thanksgiving alone or with some strangers this year, but I am thankful to have spent it with people I actually know from my hometown.
Although I'm away from home and I didn't get to eat turkey this year, I think overall I had a Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for being able to have this lifetime experience. I am thankful for all the love I received from friends and family back home. I thought everyone forgot about me, but now I know that I am missed. And last, but not least, I am thankful for having a great circle of support. Happy Thanksgiving Day Everyone!...=D
Thanksgiving Day in Seoul, Korea. November 27th, 2008.
I thought I was going to have to spend my Thanksgiving alone or with some strangers this year, but I am thankful to have spent it with people I actually know from my hometown.
Although I'm away from home and I didn't get to eat turkey this year, I think overall I had a Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for being able to have this lifetime experience. I am thankful for all the love I received from friends and family back home. I thought everyone forgot about me, but now I know that I am missed. And last, but not least, I am thankful for having a great circle of support. Happy Thanksgiving Day Everyone!...=D
Thanksgiving Day in Seoul, Korea. November 27th, 2008.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
In your face T-mobile...
Woot Woot!!!
It's official, I can now drive in Korea ( not that I would want to) . I wonder what T-mobile has to say now. If this still isn't sufficient or reliable enough for them to solidify my residency in Korea then I don't know what else they want.
It was a simple task. I had to take a 20 question computerized exam and that was it. Honestly I didn't even study last night. I fell asleep after watching an incredible episode of Prison Break. This sums it up.
Getting a driver's license in Korea makes me miss my baby C.L even more now...={...I hope it's treating my sister well, just like it did with me.
On a side note, I hate my hair in this picture. I look like some middle-aged Korean Native...lol...Happy American Thanksgiving!!!
It's official, I can now drive in Korea ( not that I would want to) . I wonder what T-mobile has to say now. If this still isn't sufficient or reliable enough for them to solidify my residency in Korea then I don't know what else they want.
It was a simple task. I had to take a 20 question computerized exam and that was it. Honestly I didn't even study last night. I fell asleep after watching an incredible episode of Prison Break. This sums it up.
Getting a driver's license in Korea makes me miss my baby C.L even more now...={...I hope it's treating my sister well, just like it did with me.
On a side note, I hate my hair in this picture. I look like some middle-aged Korean Native...lol...Happy American Thanksgiving!!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
A day in the Life....
Currently: Munchin' my Krispy Kreme and listening to some John Mayer.
Okiee Dokiee...
Tuesday November 25th, here in Korea.
8 am: Wake up and get ready for work.
8:30 am: Leave my apartment and walk to work. Get to School by 8:40 am (my usual schedule).
9 am: First class starts. Teach until 12:10 pm. Each class lasts for 40 min with a 10 min break in between.
12:10 pm: go to lunch. Time for another day of rice, kimchi, and some nasty Korean stew. If I lose my good appetite when I get back; I'm blaming Korea.
1 pm: Last class of the day. (I normally teach 4-5 40 min classes on a daily basis.)
1:40 pm: class ends. Work on lesson plan or any work that needs to get done. ( I normally just surf the web)
4:40 pm: Go home.
So that's my typical weekday, but today I ran some errands after work.
Today...
5 pm: caught the subway to the DMV.
5:15pm: Got to the DMV and asked the foreign license department if I could exchange my US driver's license for a Korean one. FYI: I'm doing this not because I want to drive in Korea, but the deceiving corporation of T-mobile says that I have to or else they will charge me the full termination fee for my mobile account, which will cost me close to $500. And if I don't pay, they'll send me to collection, even though I already sent them another form of verification, which they claimed to be insufficient....Anyways, long story....
5:45 pm: got everything done at the DMV, but have to go back tomorrow to take a darn test!
6 pm: Stopped by Krispy Kreme and bought a dozen of delicious donuts.
VERY PRODUCTIVE day. And you know what? You don't need to speak any Korean to get things done around here. Everyone speaks English. That I like. And oh, one of my students taught me a new way to sport my Korean scarf. Yay!
Tomorrow: Go to work. leave work around lunch time to get my stitches remove. FYI: I got two of my wisdom teeth extracted a week ago and it was a very pleasant experience, not as catastrophic as I'd imagined it to be. After that go pay my bills at then bank then go take the test at the DMV and hopefully get my license.
Now it's 7 pm. Get ready for a nice warm shower and then study.
Okiee Dokiee...
Tuesday November 25th, here in Korea.
8 am: Wake up and get ready for work.
8:30 am: Leave my apartment and walk to work. Get to School by 8:40 am (my usual schedule).
9 am: First class starts. Teach until 12:10 pm. Each class lasts for 40 min with a 10 min break in between.
12:10 pm: go to lunch. Time for another day of rice, kimchi, and some nasty Korean stew. If I lose my good appetite when I get back; I'm blaming Korea.
1 pm: Last class of the day. (I normally teach 4-5 40 min classes on a daily basis.)
1:40 pm: class ends. Work on lesson plan or any work that needs to get done. ( I normally just surf the web)
4:40 pm: Go home.
So that's my typical weekday, but today I ran some errands after work.
Today...
5 pm: caught the subway to the DMV.
5:15pm: Got to the DMV and asked the foreign license department if I could exchange my US driver's license for a Korean one. FYI: I'm doing this not because I want to drive in Korea, but the deceiving corporation of T-mobile says that I have to or else they will charge me the full termination fee for my mobile account, which will cost me close to $500. And if I don't pay, they'll send me to collection, even though I already sent them another form of verification, which they claimed to be insufficient....Anyways, long story....
5:45 pm: got everything done at the DMV, but have to go back tomorrow to take a darn test!
6 pm: Stopped by Krispy Kreme and bought a dozen of delicious donuts.
VERY PRODUCTIVE day. And you know what? You don't need to speak any Korean to get things done around here. Everyone speaks English. That I like. And oh, one of my students taught me a new way to sport my Korean scarf. Yay!
Tomorrow: Go to work. leave work around lunch time to get my stitches remove. FYI: I got two of my wisdom teeth extracted a week ago and it was a very pleasant experience, not as catastrophic as I'd imagined it to be. After that go pay my bills at then bank then go take the test at the DMV and hopefully get my license.
Now it's 7 pm. Get ready for a nice warm shower and then study.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Kids....
Listening to: Pretty Boy by M2M
Currently: Drinking hot tea in the teacher's lounge writing this blog.
Today's lesson went extremely well and I feel that the kids are actually starting to feel comfortable around me. Normally, I would be able to sense the student's unwillingness to learn English, but today I didn't. Many of these students feel that learning English is a torture. I don't blame them for having that type of mentality about English. These kids are perhaps the most hard working kids I've ever seen. Their whole life revolves around learning English and doing good in school.
Korea has a limited number of colleges and their acceptance rate is extremely low, which puts tension and stress upon these kids. When they get to high school, it's even more intense. Most high school students attend school from morning to dawn. According to what I know, most high school students would attend a private English institution after attending their regular school session. Some of my elementary kids are already doing that. And on the weekends, they study. There is a large demand for Native English teachers and these Koreans are willing to pay the price.
The pressure that the Korean society puts upon these kids is ridiculous. These kids are not even acting as kids any more. I can't remember ever working this hard when I was a kid. All I remember was having fun and being a kid. While my parents did repeatedly emphasize the idea of success to me, they didn't quite remotely dictate that idea to me like these Korean parents are doing to their kids. My idea of success and doing good in school was gradually learned through patience, mistakes, self-growth, and motivation from my family and friends.
In Korea, it appears that they don't tolerate mistakes and there is no room for failure. Lugubrious as it is to see these kids having to think and behave like adults; this is Korea. And the dreadful thing about Korea's education system is that, elementary kids don't get graded, hence regardless of how well or poorly they perform in school, they will still be able to move on to the next level.
I find this type of system to be ineffective. Since these kids are not graded, they have no idea what level they are at and the repercussion of this results with the students having to study twice as hard when they do move on to the next level.
Currently: Drinking hot tea in the teacher's lounge writing this blog.
Today's lesson went extremely well and I feel that the kids are actually starting to feel comfortable around me. Normally, I would be able to sense the student's unwillingness to learn English, but today I didn't. Many of these students feel that learning English is a torture. I don't blame them for having that type of mentality about English. These kids are perhaps the most hard working kids I've ever seen. Their whole life revolves around learning English and doing good in school.
Korea has a limited number of colleges and their acceptance rate is extremely low, which puts tension and stress upon these kids. When they get to high school, it's even more intense. Most high school students attend school from morning to dawn. According to what I know, most high school students would attend a private English institution after attending their regular school session. Some of my elementary kids are already doing that. And on the weekends, they study. There is a large demand for Native English teachers and these Koreans are willing to pay the price.
The pressure that the Korean society puts upon these kids is ridiculous. These kids are not even acting as kids any more. I can't remember ever working this hard when I was a kid. All I remember was having fun and being a kid. While my parents did repeatedly emphasize the idea of success to me, they didn't quite remotely dictate that idea to me like these Korean parents are doing to their kids. My idea of success and doing good in school was gradually learned through patience, mistakes, self-growth, and motivation from my family and friends.
In Korea, it appears that they don't tolerate mistakes and there is no room for failure. Lugubrious as it is to see these kids having to think and behave like adults; this is Korea. And the dreadful thing about Korea's education system is that, elementary kids don't get graded, hence regardless of how well or poorly they perform in school, they will still be able to move on to the next level.
I find this type of system to be ineffective. Since these kids are not graded, they have no idea what level they are at and the repercussion of this results with the students having to study twice as hard when they do move on to the next level.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Catching up on a Saturday night.....
Okay let me try to transcribe a current event in my adventurous life in Korea from my memory into an intriguing summary of anecdote.
It was a Saturday afternoon. I took the subway to Koyoto to buy a card reader and met up with some friends later that evening. After fours years of not seeing each other, the irony of meeting up with my two long lost college buddies is something I find quite amusing. I find that life, is full of surprises.
All three of us lived in the same town back in the states and never once did we run in to each other. One day a friend aim me and our conversation goes something like this:
Fragilenotcheap: Sup Homie, where you been?
Thisbeadara: Who's this?
Fragilenotcheap: Guess who?
Thisbedara: Maria
Fragilenotcheap: Nope, I'm someone that goes to Hayward.
Thisbedara: Oh Nai?
Fragilenotcheap: Oh dang good guess. How you been buddy?
Thisbedara: I'm good, hey guess where I'm at right now? I moved...
Fragilenotcheap: Let me guess Korea.
Thisbdara: Oh dangggggggg wassup, good ass guess.
Fragilenotcheap: Oh shit you forreal? Me tooo!!!
And the conversation continues....
We were finally able to meet up on Saturday. Myself, along with Nai, Wendy, and another girl from SFSU went shopping at Costco. So the journey of the day continues. I met up with them at some station that is presumed to be 3 blocks away from Costco, according to the map. We walked awhile and still have yet to encounter a Costco. None of us speak Korean so I proposed an idea. I told them about a free translation line where they have volunteer translators working the phone line 24 hrs. I called the line and asked for a translator and proceed to hand the phone to a complete stranger. Before I realize that this isn't going to work and that this idea is far more difficult than I imagine it to be, the stranger called us a taxi. I'm like," okay, where is this taxi going to take us?" Luckily, everything went fine and our destination was reached.
So we did our shopping and I finally found the the pumpkin pie and avocado I've been craving for.
We all headed back to the subway and since there weren't any seats left, we occupied the senior's seat and yield when necessary. As we were speaking jubilantly and attempt to fill in the blanks from our four years of absence, an ajumma turned over to me and shushed me! Sorry! This is funniest thing in Korea so far, well aside from the time when the electronic toilet at my school attacked me...lol.. I will never forget that.
Here's a sign I saw in Costco. If you ask me, I'd say..please revise...lol
It was a Saturday afternoon. I took the subway to Koyoto to buy a card reader and met up with some friends later that evening. After fours years of not seeing each other, the irony of meeting up with my two long lost college buddies is something I find quite amusing. I find that life, is full of surprises.
All three of us lived in the same town back in the states and never once did we run in to each other. One day a friend aim me and our conversation goes something like this:
Fragilenotcheap: Sup Homie, where you been?
Thisbeadara: Who's this?
Fragilenotcheap: Guess who?
Thisbedara: Maria
Fragilenotcheap: Nope, I'm someone that goes to Hayward.
Thisbedara: Oh Nai?
Fragilenotcheap: Oh dang good guess. How you been buddy?
Thisbedara: I'm good, hey guess where I'm at right now? I moved...
Fragilenotcheap: Let me guess Korea.
Thisbdara: Oh dangggggggg wassup, good ass guess.
Fragilenotcheap: Oh shit you forreal? Me tooo!!!
And the conversation continues....
We were finally able to meet up on Saturday. Myself, along with Nai, Wendy, and another girl from SFSU went shopping at Costco. So the journey of the day continues. I met up with them at some station that is presumed to be 3 blocks away from Costco, according to the map. We walked awhile and still have yet to encounter a Costco. None of us speak Korean so I proposed an idea. I told them about a free translation line where they have volunteer translators working the phone line 24 hrs. I called the line and asked for a translator and proceed to hand the phone to a complete stranger. Before I realize that this isn't going to work and that this idea is far more difficult than I imagine it to be, the stranger called us a taxi. I'm like," okay, where is this taxi going to take us?" Luckily, everything went fine and our destination was reached.
So we did our shopping and I finally found the the pumpkin pie and avocado I've been craving for.
We all headed back to the subway and since there weren't any seats left, we occupied the senior's seat and yield when necessary. As we were speaking jubilantly and attempt to fill in the blanks from our four years of absence, an ajumma turned over to me and shushed me! Sorry! This is funniest thing in Korea so far, well aside from the time when the electronic toilet at my school attacked me...lol.. I will never forget that.
Here's a sign I saw in Costco. If you ask me, I'd say..please revise...lol
Am I an electronic fanatic?
Okay, I'm gonna finally admit that I'm almost to the point of obsession with electronics. I'm so tempted to buy every little electronic gadgets I see. I remember when I was on my way to Korea and I had to go through security check at the airport. I was the only one that was there the longest, being that I had the most electronics. I overheard one of the security guards ask the other guard why I was still being held at the check point, he said "because we have to scan through all of her electronics"...haha..the other guy looked at me and smiled firmly....Hey what can I say, I majored in electronics communication.
Well here are the gadgets (1G flash disk and multi-card reader) I bought in Korea so far. The disk costed me 14,000 won= $13 and the card reader costed me 24,000 won =$20.
The price fluctuates in USD because of the exchange rate. I really want to buy myself a mini-laptop too (the one I have recently crashed), but I can't at the moment. I think saving money for a trip out of the country seems a bit more important than buying a mini-laptop.
Well here are the gadgets (1G flash disk and multi-card reader) I bought in Korea so far. The disk costed me 14,000 won= $13 and the card reader costed me 24,000 won =$20.
The price fluctuates in USD because of the exchange rate. I really want to buy myself a mini-laptop too (the one I have recently crashed), but I can't at the moment. I think saving money for a trip out of the country seems a bit more important than buying a mini-laptop.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The precious/simple things in life....
Some things I enjoy most about life:
1. Listening to GREAT music.
2. Eating DELICIOUS food with GOOD company.
3. Learning new things.
4. Sleeping
Currently listening to: Leona Leona Lewis (Better in time).
Currently eating: Cheese Cake
Learning: New vocabularies..ie. Embezzlement: The fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been intrusted. ex: Johnny was involved in an embezzlement in late January of 2007.
1. Listening to GREAT music.
2. Eating DELICIOUS food with GOOD company.
3. Learning new things.
4. Sleeping
Currently listening to: Leona Leona Lewis (Better in time).
Currently eating: Cheese Cake
Learning: New vocabularies..ie. Embezzlement: The fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been intrusted. ex: Johnny was involved in an embezzlement in late January of 2007.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Acceptance.....
3 months have passed and the excitement is gone. I've finally come to accept that Korea is my home and it will continue to be for the next 9 months. Before I came to Korea, I told my friend that a year will fly by so quickly I wouldn't even know it. It's true! Fall is already almost over! I see Christmas decorations already. Next thing I know it'll be spring, then May will arrive (I look forward to May the most), then summer, then back to Home I go!
BTW Happy Pepero day! One of my students gave me a Pepero today and I thought it was just a random act of niceness, but then I saw everyone's status on facebook about Pepero so I looked it up. I guess now I know why she gave me the Pepero. And on the subway today, I saw the cutest handmade Pepero heart. (numerous boxes of Pepero taped together to create a 3-D heart shape). If you want to know what a Pepero is, wikipedia it right below.
Pepero Day!
BTW Happy Pepero day! One of my students gave me a Pepero today and I thought it was just a random act of niceness, but then I saw everyone's status on facebook about Pepero so I looked it up. I guess now I know why she gave me the Pepero. And on the subway today, I saw the cutest handmade Pepero heart. (numerous boxes of Pepero taped together to create a 3-D heart shape). If you want to know what a Pepero is, wikipedia it right below.
Pepero Day!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Comedians are ....FUCKED
Here is something I read from an article on CNN.com
A dialogue between Larry King and Bill Maher.
"King: You recently issued one of your new rules decreeing that Obama must give comedians something to work with. Any suggestions?
Maher: No. It's very difficult. We have been spoiled, first with Bill Clinton and then George Bush. And here's a president now who -- he's not stupid. He's not angry. He's not a phony. He's not fat. He's not cheating on his wife.
Who needs a jerk like that around for the next four years? Come on.
(LAUGHTER)
But look, he's going to be the president and we're going to have to get over our nervousness about making fun of a black person. He's not a black person. He's the president."
I guess maybe someone might get lucky enough to get a glimpse of President Obama digging his nose and then they could all pretend that they found something justifiable enough to ridicule the status of his presidency.
A dialogue between Larry King and Bill Maher.
"King: You recently issued one of your new rules decreeing that Obama must give comedians something to work with. Any suggestions?
Maher: No. It's very difficult. We have been spoiled, first with Bill Clinton and then George Bush. And here's a president now who -- he's not stupid. He's not angry. He's not a phony. He's not fat. He's not cheating on his wife.
Who needs a jerk like that around for the next four years? Come on.
(LAUGHTER)
But look, he's going to be the president and we're going to have to get over our nervousness about making fun of a black person. He's not a black person. He's the president."
I guess maybe someone might get lucky enough to get a glimpse of President Obama digging his nose and then they could all pretend that they found something justifiable enough to ridicule the status of his presidency.
OBAMA...
So the decision has been made by the citizens of America and we picked Barrack Obama to be our president for the next four years. Earlier today I read an article online about his victory and I came across a comment.
The comment
"There is one important bullet item missing from this article... continuing to keep this country safe from terrorists. Say what you want about Bush, but this country has been safe because of his policies. I do not feel safe with the new regime. Mark my words, we will be tested and it will be sooner then later."
Despite my respect and beliefs for president Obama, I actually concur with this comment. I fear that, president Obama's diplomacy maybe or will be taken advantaged of. I am giving him a chance, and although there are many issues to resolve, I hope he keeps his promises and "Change we can." At the same time, I hope he does not focus too much on our country's deficit and neglects our safety.
The comment
"There is one important bullet item missing from this article... continuing to keep this country safe from terrorists. Say what you want about Bush, but this country has been safe because of his policies. I do not feel safe with the new regime. Mark my words, we will be tested and it will be sooner then later."
Despite my respect and beliefs for president Obama, I actually concur with this comment. I fear that, president Obama's diplomacy maybe or will be taken advantaged of. I am giving him a chance, and although there are many issues to resolve, I hope he keeps his promises and "Change we can." At the same time, I hope he does not focus too much on our country's deficit and neglects our safety.
Monday, November 3, 2008
VOTE Day!
So today is vote day and I VOTED. My dad claims himself to be a Republican so last election he voted for Bush. As an ignorant child, I also voted fro Bush because my dad brainwashed me. I was very ignorant about who I voted for and I voted for the sake of voting (but I presumed my vote didn't count anyways.).
This election is different, I'm educated about the political world and who the candidates are. I'm not voting for Obama because he's a minority, I'm voting for him because I only have two choices. I don't want the war to continue nor do I want another Bush to run the country, thus that's why I'm voting for Obama. At the same time, I like many of the possible solutions Obama has to offer to America. I'm not categorizing myself as a republican or democrat, but simply a humane liberal. However; hypothetically speaking, even if I wasn't to vote, we all know that California is a democratic state. Therefore, even if I don't vote---in theory, which has been consistently proven,---- California will nonetheless still go to the Democratic.
This election is different, I'm educated about the political world and who the candidates are. I'm not voting for Obama because he's a minority, I'm voting for him because I only have two choices. I don't want the war to continue nor do I want another Bush to run the country, thus that's why I'm voting for Obama. At the same time, I like many of the possible solutions Obama has to offer to America. I'm not categorizing myself as a republican or democrat, but simply a humane liberal. However; hypothetically speaking, even if I wasn't to vote, we all know that California is a democratic state. Therefore, even if I don't vote---in theory, which has been consistently proven,---- California will nonetheless still go to the Democratic.
Can you guess...the world of innovation
Listening to: One Republic
Watching: Random vids online
Reading: My TEFL PDF
"A few have the imagination to see beyond them."
Watching: Random vids online
Reading: My TEFL PDF
"A few have the imagination to see beyond them."
One month behind...UPDATE.
I can't believe I didn't write anything for 1 whole month. A lot of things have happened in the past month. I went to the Busan International film festival, which is about a 6 hr drive from seoul ( I took the train 3 hrs), I went to a dance festival, Halloween just passed, and I went on a school retreat for 2 days and 1 night. I can't really get into details about each and every event I went to because that would require too much time to write. However one thing I can say is that the retreat was the highlight of the month, why? Because I got to see the principal and VP of my school get shitfaced.
I've been keeping myself occupied with many things. I started taking a Hanguel class last month, but I ended up dropping the class because there was a schedule conflict. At the same time, I am currently studying for my tefl certification online, so that pretty much takes up a lot of my time. I have a deadline and that is to pass the online test and get certified by the end of this month so I can get paid more. After I'm done with that, I have to start studying the for the LSAT. Yes...I know..I know...I've decided to go into Business law. When I take the test, if I get a good score, I'll go to law school next year, but if my score is not good then I'll delay or change my plan to something else. But I've made up my mind for now and business law is something I really want to pursue.
I can't believe 2 months passed already since I've been here. Time sure flies. I still get home sick every now and then. Lately, I really enjoy just staying at my studio and enjoying my alone time. My apartment is far from everyone else so if I want to hang out, I'll have to take the subway 30-60min away to get to where everyone else is at.
Anyways, I applied for a part-time position at a Korean Radio station last month and they contacted me back and told me that they want me to produce their show on the weekends. Only problem is, I sign a contract with my current employer and one of the terms state: no part-time job. I told TBS (the radio station) that I wanted to intern/volunteer there, but they said that I have to get paid. So now, the producer of the show will talk to my current employer and see if they can override that section of the contract. So we shall see how things will turn out, but I really hope I get to work there. I'll get to have my own radio show and be a co-producer for an international broadcasting station (how cool does that sound on my resume.).
Oh one other thing I want to add, when I'm done with my TEFL, I'm thinking about using my camcorder more often. I want to start a video blog or something, I miss making videos (it's a hobby). At the same time, I plan to take a salsa/tengo class, we shall see how much I still remember from high school.
Anyways I'll try to post some pic soon.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sep 18, 12:34 am Necessito la comida de Mexico!
Watching some random Korean TV show.
Ahhhhhhh..........I'm dying here! I want some Mexican food soooooo bad! I LOVE tamales....I should have eaten all of the tamales I wanted while I was in Mexico had I knew I was going to be in Korea for a Year. I'm teaching my class about the different cultures in the US tomorrow so I have to present some of the cultural food to them. That's what triggered this craving, preparation for class!....All I have to say is...as soon as I get back home...I'm having me some tacos from my favorite taco truck (Hope it'll still be there when I get beck) and some tamales from La pinata!
Ahhhhhhh..........I'm dying here! I want some Mexican food soooooo bad! I LOVE tamales....I should have eaten all of the tamales I wanted while I was in Mexico had I knew I was going to be in Korea for a Year. I'm teaching my class about the different cultures in the US tomorrow so I have to present some of the cultural food to them. That's what triggered this craving, preparation for class!....All I have to say is...as soon as I get back home...I'm having me some tacos from my favorite taco truck (Hope it'll still be there when I get beck) and some tamales from La pinata!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Sep 14, 2008, 3:15-Chuseok Day
Chuseeok Day (Korean Thanksgiving).
Just got back from a day full of fun. I was supposed to go with Tanya to meet up with the photography club, but I'm just too tired. Felicia also wanted me to go to this baseball game with her and meet up with the rest of SMOE ppl, but seriously I think I've been partying too much. I need to rest.
Lastly I've been really anticipating on what next year has to offer. I know this year will be a BLAST, but I think next year will be even better. I don't know why, but I have this really good feeling that it will be 10 times better than this year. I hope what I foresee will come true. Also one of my good friends is consider joining this program with me. I'm up for another year of adventure if this person or the ppl I recruited come through. I think it'll be an unforgettable, life changing, and phenomenal experience. We'll see what happens, but I can't wait for what the future has to bring...Bring it!!! HAPPY CHUESOK DAY!!! Hanayaseo...bye bye..;P
Just got back from a day full of fun. I was supposed to go with Tanya to meet up with the photography club, but I'm just too tired. Felicia also wanted me to go to this baseball game with her and meet up with the rest of SMOE ppl, but seriously I think I've been partying too much. I need to rest.
Lastly I've been really anticipating on what next year has to offer. I know this year will be a BLAST, but I think next year will be even better. I don't know why, but I have this really good feeling that it will be 10 times better than this year. I hope what I foresee will come true. Also one of my good friends is consider joining this program with me. I'm up for another year of adventure if this person or the ppl I recruited come through. I think it'll be an unforgettable, life changing, and phenomenal experience. We'll see what happens, but I can't wait for what the future has to bring...Bring it!!! HAPPY CHUESOK DAY!!! Hanayaseo...bye bye..;P
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Sep 8, 2008, 8: 55pm Email to Cherri
An email I wrote to Cherri answering her question.
Yeah I went out to the club with a bunch of my new friends that I met at the orientation, it was fun. Ppl here don't sleep early, the clubs don't close until ppl leave. The subway station closes at 12am so ppl normally hang out all night until the subway opens back at 5:30 am. That's what we did, lol. But I ended up sleeping at one of my ex-roommates place cuz my place was an hr away from the center of the station. I caught the subway back home in the morning. ppl also have the option of taking taxi, but for us foreigners it not safe to take it by ourselves. Yeah it's interesting here. Ppl seem to be living it up. I do miss home though. New friends are never the same as old friends.
oh guess what, it appears that I'm the youngest teacher at my school so I have to bow to everyone. I hate this whole bowing thing. Why can't I just give a simple strong handshake. I guess this is Korea... Kay class is starting again...gtg...my last class of the day. I'm in the classroom emailing u right now.
Much Love,
Dara
Yeah I went out to the club with a bunch of my new friends that I met at the orientation, it was fun. Ppl here don't sleep early, the clubs don't close until ppl leave. The subway station closes at 12am so ppl normally hang out all night until the subway opens back at 5:30 am. That's what we did, lol. But I ended up sleeping at one of my ex-roommates place cuz my place was an hr away from the center of the station. I caught the subway back home in the morning. ppl also have the option of taking taxi, but for us foreigners it not safe to take it by ourselves. Yeah it's interesting here. Ppl seem to be living it up. I do miss home though. New friends are never the same as old friends.
oh guess what, it appears that I'm the youngest teacher at my school so I have to bow to everyone. I hate this whole bowing thing. Why can't I just give a simple strong handshake. I guess this is Korea... Kay class is starting again...gtg...my last class of the day. I'm in the classroom emailing u right now.
Much Love,
Dara
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sep 8, 2008, 12:52 A day in the life...
Listening to the sound of kids playing outside.
Sitting at my computer desk in Korea while the students rearrange the chairs and sweep the floor.
Today I had to pull out the red card because a kid in class was misbehaving. I felt bad because that was something I did not want to do. After class, my co teacher spoke with him and according to her, he is one of those students who have an aggressive behavior and in the future, she says that his behavior or personality may develop into something more harmful. I've never really dealt with kids, so I find this type of situation to be a little problematic for me to resolve.
Random thought: I wonder what my family is doing right now.
Later on that day...2:30pm
I just finished teaching my last class of the day and WOW, I must say...I did a fantastic job! Why? Because I taught an entire 40 min class all by myself!
Later that day.....8:02pm
I just got home from shopping with one of my friends. I must say, Korea is awesome! They have the sweetest deal when it comes to electronics. I wanted to buy a mic and flash drive and my friend wanted to buy a laptop. After I got my items, my friend bought her laptop and I was surprised!!!! Her laptop came with a free head set, laptop bag, mouse pad, external mic, and....a USB memory flash! What a sweet deal!!! And the price was wayyy below the US market price.
Sitting at my computer desk in Korea while the students rearrange the chairs and sweep the floor.
Today I had to pull out the red card because a kid in class was misbehaving. I felt bad because that was something I did not want to do. After class, my co teacher spoke with him and according to her, he is one of those students who have an aggressive behavior and in the future, she says that his behavior or personality may develop into something more harmful. I've never really dealt with kids, so I find this type of situation to be a little problematic for me to resolve.
Random thought: I wonder what my family is doing right now.
Later on that day...2:30pm
I just finished teaching my last class of the day and WOW, I must say...I did a fantastic job! Why? Because I taught an entire 40 min class all by myself!
Later that day.....8:02pm
I just got home from shopping with one of my friends. I must say, Korea is awesome! They have the sweetest deal when it comes to electronics. I wanted to buy a mic and flash drive and my friend wanted to buy a laptop. After I got my items, my friend bought her laptop and I was surprised!!!! Her laptop came with a free head set, laptop bag, mouse pad, external mic, and....a USB memory flash! What a sweet deal!!! And the price was wayyy below the US market price.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Sep 4, 2008. 10:55pm More discoveries
New information: when I watch Korean dramas, I always wonder why Koreans would wrap the item they purchase in a large handkerchief, now I know why. It's because bags are not free, you have to pay 100 won=10 cent; however, at a fast food, ketchup is free. As oppose to Italy, you have to pay for every little thing including water.
So today I wanted to go buy some English books in central Seoul, so I set up a time with my colleague to show me how to take the subway. I got to the meeting destination 5 minutes late and she wasn't there so I assumed she left.
I was starting to become frustrated about always having to wait for someone to take me around, so I hopped onto the subway by myself. Mission accomplished, because I got to the bookstore and bought what I needed. It was not difficult at all because the station names were in English and I had a map with me. Below is the t-money card you have to use in order to enter the subway station, or you can add money to your cell phone and use that instead...interesting..oh btw subway here is very cheap. The distance from Oakland to SF is only 1000 won= $1
So today I wanted to go buy some English books in central Seoul, so I set up a time with my colleague to show me how to take the subway. I got to the meeting destination 5 minutes late and she wasn't there so I assumed she left.
I was starting to become frustrated about always having to wait for someone to take me around, so I hopped onto the subway by myself. Mission accomplished, because I got to the bookstore and bought what I needed. It was not difficult at all because the station names were in English and I had a map with me. Below is the t-money card you have to use in order to enter the subway station, or you can add money to your cell phone and use that instead...interesting..oh btw subway here is very cheap. The distance from Oakland to SF is only 1000 won= $1
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Sep 3, 2008. 9:55pm My discovery
Watching Korean TV: Channel 27.
Okay so I went on a little mission today to try and find a usb cord for my samsung digital camera. Considering Korea looks very similar to Japan, with all of their technology device and buildings very well lit, I thought it would be a simple task. So after work, I walked down the street in downtown No-won gu by myself trying to find this item. I think I walked for a good mile and surprisingly enough, I did not find not one electronic store. I did however, pass by numerous cell phone stores. Korean market mainly consists of food and clothing. I was in deep shock when I couldn’t find an electronics store.
New information, I found out today about the Korean writing style. Most Koreans do not like to cross their number 7s, and their number 4s are normally closed at the top. It looks exactly like how I typed it. I found this out when I went to open a bank account with my colleague and the teller couldn’t read my numbers. These people are so meticulous.
One other thing I found out was, Koreans do not say excuse me when they sneeze or bless you when some else sneezes. And when they have a cold or cough, they normally wear a white mask around their face like the picture below....interesting...
Okay so I went on a little mission today to try and find a usb cord for my samsung digital camera. Considering Korea looks very similar to Japan, with all of their technology device and buildings very well lit, I thought it would be a simple task. So after work, I walked down the street in downtown No-won gu by myself trying to find this item. I think I walked for a good mile and surprisingly enough, I did not find not one electronic store. I did however, pass by numerous cell phone stores. Korean market mainly consists of food and clothing. I was in deep shock when I couldn’t find an electronics store.
New information, I found out today about the Korean writing style. Most Koreans do not like to cross their number 7s, and their number 4s are normally closed at the top. It looks exactly like how I typed it. I found this out when I went to open a bank account with my colleague and the teller couldn’t read my numbers. These people are so meticulous.
One other thing I found out was, Koreans do not say excuse me when they sneeze or bless you when some else sneezes. And when they have a cold or cough, they normally wear a white mask around their face like the picture below....interesting...
Thursday, July 10, 2008
A short Suspense Film for class
Here is another project that I did for class. I was the editor, producer, camera person, and writer. I had some assistant from a couple of my classmates. I had to find numerous external sounds because our audio didn't work. Most of the sounds were added in, i.e microwave, water, door squeak...Enjoy!
Online Videos by Veoh.com
Online Videos by Veoh.com
News stories I worked on
Below are the links to two of the stories I helped my producers work on for ABC 7 On Your Side news segment. FYI: 7 On Your Side is the news media consumer mediator.
For this story, I did a little undercover work by getting secret footage of the Green Dot gift card from a popular retail store.
The Risk of Buying Gift cards
For this story, I helped the consumer Mr. and Mrs. Whitman get their refund back for the airline tickets that they purchased from First Simmons National Bank.
Bankruptcies affect local air travelers
Here's a Michael Finney Free Friday Segment that aired on July 11th, 2008 where I, along with two other interns were the experimental hair model for the day.
Redhek Product: Michael Finney Free Friday Stuff.
For this story, I did a little undercover work by getting secret footage of the Green Dot gift card from a popular retail store.
The Risk of Buying Gift cards
For this story, I helped the consumer Mr. and Mrs. Whitman get their refund back for the airline tickets that they purchased from First Simmons National Bank.
Bankruptcies affect local air travelers
Here's a Michael Finney Free Friday Segment that aired on July 11th, 2008 where I, along with two other interns were the experimental hair model for the day.
Redhek Product: Michael Finney Free Friday Stuff.
E-waste Website
Below is a website I created for my interactive online media class. I used a little bit of dreamweaver to create the website and I hosted it through yahoo geocities.
website I made for class
website I made for class
Friday, March 14, 2008
Bsic Animation 2
Here is yet another basic animation/motion transition I created using Adobe Flash CS3.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Viet Hep-B Free Commercial
This is a special project that I did with my professor for UCSF for the Viet Hep-B free organization. I used the song from the Kraft commerical free domain. I made the hearts and ring from Illustrator and than I imported it into Final Cut Pro. The Viet Hep-B free logo was animated by Sean Wells, which was taken directly from UCSF Viet Hep-b free organization.
Viet Hep-B free Commercial for class
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Viet Hep-B free Commercial for class
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My Happy Kraft Sandwich
Here's a comedic Kraft commercial I did for my animation class. I used a photo allowed by the Kraft company for their Kraft commercial contest and a photo I found on a free domain website. The sound was also provided by the Kraft company. The software I used to put this commercial together was Adobe Flash. I first edit the pictures in photoshop and then imported it into flash.
Online Videos by Veoh.com
Online Videos by Veoh.com
World's Next top Model
This is a class project I completed during summer 2007. Our assignment was to create a TV show introductory promo using mothion graphic. Students are allowed to follow the show's original concept just as long as they can capture it to the best of their ability. I chose America's Next Top Model reality show. I used a little bit of their concept; however, I added a little bit of my own flavor in there. I used the orginal America's next top model song and I pulled random model pictures from online and started to establish my work from there. All motion graphic and editing was done entirely by me. Any polishing of the pictures was also done by me using light photoshop skills. This was an indepentdent project, which means that everything was done entirely by me.
motion graphic reel
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motion graphic reel
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Baby Mama Mini-Doc
This is a mini-documentary I did during high school for my internship. The documentary is about a teenage mother going back to high school to visit her friends. "A day in the life of Ms.Chantha Hack and her boyfriend Adrienne." The footage was taken by me, editing was also done by me using Final Cut pro 2.0 I believe. Music was from Salinas and Enrique. I can't remember when this project was done but I believe it was done sometime during 2001 or 2002 when I was a junior in high school.
short reel
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short reel
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SF Promo Assignment
This is a class project I did with a few other classmates in Fall 2007 where I was the editor and one of the camera person. The footage was taken in numerous places in the city. The music is the instrumental from the song "ice box" sang by Omarion. The voice over at the end was by Matt, a student in the BECA department from San Francisco State University. I used a free trial video converter; therefore, the logo of that software appears and re-appears from time to time.
SF promo reel
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SF promo reel
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