Foreigner is one of my all time favorite bands.

I Want To Know What Love Is

I gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I’m older
Aaaah woah-ah-aah

Now this mountain I must climb
Feels like a world upon my shoulders
And through the clouds I see love shine
It keeps me warm as life grows colder

In my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
Aaaah woah-oh-ooh

I’m gonna take a little time
A little time to look around me, oooh ooh-ooh ooh-ooh oooh
I’ve got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me

In my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
I can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
And I wanna feel, I want to feel what love is
And I know, I know you can show me

Let’s talk about love
(I wanna know what love is) the love that you feel inside
(I want you to show me) I’m feeling so much love
(I wanna feel what love is) no, you just cannot hide
(I know you can show me) yeah, woah-oh-ooh
I wanna know what love is, let’s talk about love
(I want you to show me) I wanna feel it too
(I wanna feel what love is) I wanna feel it too
And I know, and I know, I know you can show me
Show me what is real, woah (woah), yeah I know
(I wanna know what love is) hey I wanna know what love
(I want you to show me), I wanna know, I wanna know, want know
(I wanna feel what love is), hey I wanna feel, love
I know you can show me, yeah

Rock God Cred Report:

Click here to check a 70’s gem from Foreigner “Headknocker”

Buy “Foreigner”…an essential classic rock album.

Musical Musing No.1:

I am now the proud owner of the Fame Monster ….yay! It’s pretty awesome ….not at all a let down and definitely up to the standard of The Fame (wish I could say the same for Russian Roulette …what was Rhianna THINKING!?) Favourite tracks include Bad Romance, Monster and Speechless.

Musical Musing No.2:

Heard Jenna Toro on the Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show today doing  a beautiful acoustic version of her new song Electric City. The original track is decent enough, but I definitely think her talent lies more in the acoustic sets than the dance-type tracks. Check out her MySpace here.

Musical Musing No.3:

In order to erase from my mind the ABOMINATION that was Mariah Carey’s ‘breathy’ version of I Wanna Know What Love Is on last night’s X Factor, I have spent the day humming and Youtube-ing the original Foreigner version.

And on a completely unrelated note:

A woman thanked me for letting her get the free seat that became available on the Luas this evening, even though I totally could have gotten to it first. It was really nice to be thanked.

EMASCULATED MEN IN RUSSIA BRING THE HIGHEST INCIDENCE OF AIDS/HIV IN THE WORLD

HIV Travel Ban Lifted By President Obama

NOTHING TO DO IN THE WAY OF PRODUCTION SO RUSSIA ENCOURAGES IMPLOSION BY SOCIALISM!

THE SOCIALIST BILLIONAIRES OF THE WORLD HAVE GAINED WHAT THEY NEEDED FROM MOST OF THE SHEEPLE ON THIS PLANET. THEIR GOAL IS TO FULFILL THEIR HEDONISTIC PERSONALITIES (ITS NOTHING MORE THAN AVARICE), WHILE PLACATING THEIR CONSCIOUS, THAT IT IS ACTUALLY CAPITALISTS THAT IS THE ENEMY OF THE PLANET. IN CAPITALISM YOU HAVE INDEPENDENCE, IN SOCIALISM YOU HAVE SUBSERVIENCE, AND EXPONENTIALLY POORER PEOPLE.

FOR THE SOCIALIST BILLIONAIRE – THE HUMAN REFUSE (EXCESS POPULATION), WHO HAS JUST BEEN TAKEN FOR ALL THEY WHERE WORTH, ARE NOW IN NEED OF PACIFICATION. SO IF ANYONE HAS NOTICED, THE INTERNET IS FILLED WITH ALL THE PAID FOR SEXUAL MOVIES/PICTURES ONE COULD IMAGINE. THIS IS SATISFYING THE LOWEST FORM OF PLEASURE (SEX/ THE ID). THESE BILLIONAIRES ARE SMART AND RICH FOR A REASON – THEY KNOW HOW TO BILK/MESMERIZE/PROPAGANDIZE SHEEPLE.

THEY NOW ATTEMPT TO PICK THE CHERRY OF THE WORLD (THE USA).

NEVER SAY NEVER, "AGAIN"

ObamaCare Will Impose Massive Healthcare Rationing on Senior Citizens

It is time to cut through the deceptions and bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo about ObamaCare.

If either the House Bill (H.R. 3962) or the Senate Bill (S. 1796) is enacted into law, ObamaCare will be paid for on the backs of senior citizens.

The president already has widely advertised his “cut-Medicare-first” strategy to pay for ObamaCare by proposing to cut $500 billion out of the program, which both the House and Senate Bills adopt. These cuts are slated to come primarily out of Medicare Advantage Plans, which currently provide 10 million seniors a wide range of private insurance choices.

Vladimir Putin

These advertised Medicare cuts are only the tip of the iceberg.

Prevent Seniorcide & Boomercide – Stop ObamaCare from Passing!
Send Faxes to Congress, Senate & the White House – Demonstrate Our Fury!
What the president hasn’t told the public about, however, are the far greater Medicare cuts that seniors will experience at the hands of the Medicare Commission (Senate version) or the Medicare Center (House version), which will be used to ration healthcare by allowing bureaucrats to determine which senior citizens can receive what health treatments, services, procedures, medications, devices and so forth.

DID YOU KNOW THEY HAVE NO FRK’N COMEDIANS IN/FROM FRANCE? NOPE, EVEN PETER SELLERS (JOCQUE CLOUSEAU)  WAS IMPORTED FROM ENGLAND TO DO THE FRENCH FILMS. A HAPPY PEOPLE? I DON’T THINK SO!

The State of Washington already tried this kind of bureaucratic healthcare rationing back in 2003 to control the cost of its state-run healthcare plan. The Wall Street Journal describes how it works:

“So far, the [Washington] commission has banned knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis, discography for chronic back pain, and implantable infusion pumps for pain not related to cancer. This year, it is targeting such frivolous luxuries as knee replacements, spinal cord stimulation, a specialized autism therapy and MRIs of the abdomen, pelvis or breasts for cancer. It will also rule on routine ultrasounds for pregnancy, which have a ‘high’ efficacy but also a ‘high’ cost.

OBAMA'S (WE DON'T NEED YOU ANYMORE CARE) - WE'RE BILKING AMERICA SO HAVE A SHOT OF VODKA AND WATCH SOME PORN - BECAUSE AS SOROS SAID, "ITS GOING TO BE PAINFUL". I THINK WE SHOULD SEND THANK YOU CARDS TO GEORGE SOROS'S MANSION ADDRESS__EH? NOW WHY WOULD SOROS GIVE SUCH A PREDICTION IF HE DID NOT KNOW? WHAT HE KNOWS, IS TELLING OF INSIDER TRADING AS HE HAD IN FRANCE! HE IS CAUGHT AGAIN IN ORCHESTRATION! WHERE ARE THE REPUBLICANS? WHERE IS MICHAEL STEELE?

MICHAEL STEELE

Michael Steele this is OUR HOMELAND we want it protected from Socialists!

“Currently, the commission is pushing through the most restrictive payment policy in the nation for drug-eluting cardiac stents—simply because bare metal stents are cheaper, even as they result in worse outcomes. If a patient is wheeled into the operating room with chest pains in an emergency, doctors will first have to determine if he’s covered by a state plan, then the diameter of his blood vessels and his diabetic condition to decide on the appropriate stent. If they don’t, Washington will not reimburse them for ‘inappropriate care.’”

Prevent Seniorcide & Boomercide – Stop ObamaCare from Passing!
Send Faxes to Congress, Senate & the White House – Demonstrate Our Fury!
The State of Oregon has a similar bureaucracy to ration healthcare to control the costs of its state-run healthcare system. It is a veritable death panel. For example, in 2008 Oregon bureaucrats decided the some cancer patients seeking chemotherapy didn’t “qualify” for the treatment because the patients didn’t score high enough on Oregon’s bureaucratic criteria—sick Oregonians have ceased to be persons and are now simply “negative economic units.” Although Oregon denied the cancer patients’ chemotherapy claims, the State offered instead to pay for physician-assisted suicide, a chilling corruption of medical ethics.

Hippocratic Oath

I swear by Apollo the physician, and Asclepius, and Hygieia and Panacea and all the gods and goddesses as my witnesses, that, according to my ability and judgement, I will keep this Oath and this contract:

To hold him who taught me this art equally dear to me as my parents, to be a partner in life with him, and to fulfill his needs when required; to look upon his offspring as equals to my own siblings, and to teach them this art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or contract; and that by the set rules, lectures, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to students bound by this contract and having sworn this Oath to the law of medicine, but to no others.

I will use those dietary regimens which will benefit my patients according to my greatest ability and judgement, and I will do no harm or injustice to them.

I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan; and similarly I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion.

In purity and according to divine law will I carry out my life and my art.

I will not use the knife, even upon those suffering from stones, but I will leave this to those who are trained in this craft.

Into whatever homes I go, I will enter them for the benefit of the sick, avoiding any voluntary act of impropriety or corruption, including the seduction of women or men, whether they are free men or slaves.

Whatever I see or hear in the lives of my patients, whether in connection with my professional practice or not, which ought not to be spoken of outside, I will keep secret, as considering all such things to be private.

So long as I maintain this Oath faithfully and without corruption, may it be granted to me to partake of life fully and the practice of my art, gaining the respect of all men for all time. However, should I transgress this Oath and violate it, may the opposite be my fate.

Translated by Michael North, National Library of Medicine

The Senate ObamaCare Bill goes even further to squeeze the life out of senior citizens. It actually establishes a “global budget” for Medicare expenditures, which would force bureaucrats on the commission to ration healthcare to stay within the spending limits. It will work this way. The Medicare Commission—to be comprised of 15 members appointed by the President—will have to ration healthcare to keep Medicare expenditures from growing more rapidly per Medicare enrollee than inflation; after 2019, Medicare benefits would have to be rationed even more to keep government expenditures from growing faster than the economy plus one percentage point, regardless of the inflation rate.

WE DON’T NEED ANOTHER HERO!

This is nothing more than a scheme to squeeze the life out of Medicare and the senior citizens enrolled in the program. The Senate Bill doesn’t contain death panels; it doesn’t need them. The Medicare Commission’s global budget will deliver the coup de grâce without counsel or notification.

No healthcare for you, old one.

Prevent Seniorcide & Boomercide – Stop ObamaCare from Passing!
Send Faxes to Congress, Senate & the White House – Demonstrate Our Fury!
As the Wall Street Journal explained the Senate version of the Medicare Commission:

“The hard budget cap means there is only so much money to be divvied up for care, with no account for demographic changes, such as longer life spans, or for the increasing incidence of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.
“Worse, it makes little room for medical innovations. The commission is mandated to go after ‘sources of excess cost growth,’ meaning treatments that are too expensive or whose coverage will boost spending. If researchers find a pricey treatment for Alzheimer’s in 2020, that might be banned because it would add new costs and bust the global budget. Or it might decide that ‘Maybe you’re better off not having the surgery, but taking the painkiller,’ as President Obama put it in June.”

If ObamaCare is enacted into law, it will put seniors out in the cold and into an early grave.

Prevent Seniorcide & Boomercide – Stop ObamaCare from Passing!
Send Faxes to Congress, Senate & the White House – Demonstrate Our Fury!

NO ONE IS PERFECT BUT WE CAN LOVE!

Defend America

Lawrence A. Hunter, Ph.D.
Social Security Institute
15 Culpeper St.
Warrenton VA, 20187

P.S. Please click here to tell your friends and ANYONE that cares about this country about this registry.

The Social Security Institute (SSI) is a national, 501(c)(4) non-profit, non-partisan seniors’ advocacy organization working to promote the retirement security of today’s seniors and the seniors of tomorrow. SSI’s top policy priorities are to stop the raid on the Social Security Trust Funds, prevent cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits, and protect seniors from health care rationing and other limitations on their access to health care.

What can I say about today’s choice of  image, I like cats.  I get annoyed that Francy won’t allow me to have a cat, but if  we hadn’t met, I would most likely be a crazy cat lady.

Today’s post comes to mind because on Saturday we will be having a party of sorts.  Of sorts because I said it was to celebrate Thanksgiving, but this was just to convince Francy.  After our last day out with his friends we decided that a pleasant afternoon with friends shouldn’t include shouting anti-Muslim and anti-foreigner rants.  (note:  when one woman caressed my face and said “When I say foreigners are bad people, I don’t mean you.  You’re integrated into our society. You’re a nice girl”)

It was all I could do to not give her a double f-you and f-you alla Berger in Sex and the City.

Ok, let me get back on track.  My goal in convincing Francy to have a party with my friends is that he’ll have a nice afternoon.  No, we don’t always agree on every subject, but the mere ability of my friends to listen to and consider someone else’s viewpoint (without swearing and yelling) wins big points with Francy.  I mean yes, my friend Paedar’s wife has a weird habit I haven’t figured out yet, but I don’t win the debate by using the f-word repeatedly.  Paedar is Irish (he’ll agree that it’s a sad stereotype, but just give him potatoes in any form and he’s a happy man) and his wife is Italian.  Since they are usually the only 2 Italians present when we get together, they often have a debate on the state of THEIR nation.  For some strange reason, her defense is always “well, they have that in America too” or some other bizzare and random criticism (apparently she prefers to be ignored by salesclerks vs offered help as is the case in America).  That’s fine, I’ll politely explain to you that in modern American society we don’t have a  lot of rogue 3-card monty tables on the street, but you can think we do if it gets you through the night.

Then there’s Paul.  Paul is fabulous.  He’s a little brusk at times.  Sometimes he goes into anti-social mode, but if that’s the case he also goes into hiding until he’s human again.  Paul is smart, funny and as Paul said about my wedding reception,

“There’s wine, lots of wine and when I want more wine, I just ask.  What is there to complain about?”

We’ve decided to risk adding 3 more Italians to the mix.  One is Alessandro, a friend of Paedar’s who is teaching Francy and Paedar how to drive.  He must be a saint or the world’s most patient man and therefore deserves to be invited.  Then we have Alessandro and Isabella.  It’s risky because they are younger and while much more open-minded than Francy’s friends, we’ve never thrown them into the mix before.  Alessandro #2 however, will always have a place in my heart simply for the story of when he went to Miami.  He didn’t know about sales tax and proceeded to argue with the cashier until she gave him 3 Snickers and told him to get lost.  He took the candy and left, but will forever be confused by “tax not included”.

Next time: The morning routine.

The debut album by Foreigner, (self titled, released on March 8, 1977), was one of my first vinyl record albums that I ever owned. I actually bought the first Foreigner album shortly after receiving their Double Vision album as a birthday gift, back in 1979. (The Double Vision album was released on June 20, 1978). So it is safe to say, that the debut Foreigner album was playing on my turntable sometime in the Spring of 1979. Being an eighth grader in 1979, my exposure to Heavy Metal Music was at it’s most infant state, KISS was the only Heavy Metal Band I owned on album at this time. I always bring up my past history, as to the year of purchase of a said album and what bands I was into at the given time, so to make clarity to the evolvement of my becoming a Metalhead. It was a progression of listening to different Rock genres for me, since I was a kid. This Foreigner album is as integral a piece to that progression, as any other Rock album I ever listened to. Just as the Double Vision album, Foreigner’s debut album had me wanting more and that was a good symptom to have. There definitely was some psychological imbedding that happened to me with Foreigner at a young age, whenever I listen to their albums, (especially the first four), I feel like everything is alright.

What prompted me to blog about this Foreigner debut album is hearing the song Feels Like The First Time on the radio this past Sunday. My family and I just had to endure visiting a sad animal shelter that morning, (we are currently looking to adopt a cat), and all four of us were in quite the funk. I decided to bring my wife to a store that has 70% off of all their Christmas decor, what bargains were truly found – no kidding here. This stop to purchase Christmas decor was just the elixir of happy that my wife and daughters needed after a somber morning of seeing so many poor and sickly cats. My elixir of happy was hearing Foreigner on the store’s radio. As I have stated, Foreigner puts me on the – everything is alright trip. I actually felt my face give off a smile and get all flushed while I heard this Foreigner song. On the drive home from this store, I wished there was a Foreigner CD in the car… trust me, there has been many times.

This experience is just a fine example of how a band and their album can pull me right in… and take me back, while making my mood alright again. That is the magic of Rock and Roll, these are the benchmarks of an album and/or song that cannot be critiqued by lazy Rolling Stone Magazine writers who have not a clue. The personal memories and feelings that are stored within oneself, due to the impact from a Rock Band of any genre, their albums, an individual song or a concert experience from such band… money cannot buy, man. Listening to Foreigner’s debut again, reminds me as to why the Classic Rock genre exists. This album is a Rock Classic. Foreigner is in my Metal Odyssey Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Too bad that big, pompous building in Cleveland, Ohio, doesn’t get it.

I grin each time I stare at the front cover image of the band, on the Foreigner debut front cover. The first impression is – these are gentlemen. Hard Rock gentlemen, that is. The maturity that this front cover image evokes, also mirrors the maturity of the music heard from this Foreigner album. It wasn’t about boobs and beer, rebellion or political commentary, it was about quality Rock and Hard Rock songs. From the lyrics to each songs structure, Foreigner presented to the world a sophisticated, yet Hard edged sound, that could be radio friendly and street cool at the same time. Two of my favorite songs from Foreigner are not even considered to be hits at all. Headknocker and Starrider are two songs from this album that are individualistic and represent the two sides of Foreigner’s Rock style. Headknocker being the Hard Rock cranker and Starrider introducing Foreigner’s adoration for a more melodic, Rock ballad. I really like Starrider for it’s almost cosmic musical ambiance, the keyboards and chorus are what sets this song apart, for me. This is just me, yet it would be a kick to hear W.A.S.P. or Judas Priest cover Headknocker.

Long, Long Way From Home is without doubt, Lou Gramm singing at his very finest. Man, his vocals alone, makes this song resonate with powerful emotion. Cold As Ice will always be the hit staple from this Foreigner album… rightfully so. I would not argue that it is as important a Rock single as any from the 1970’s. Regardless of decades passing by, this Foreigner debut album is, yes, timeless. It may sound cliche, still those Rock and Hard Rock albums from days gone by, like this very album, need to be revisited and remembered for their Rock and Roll historical importance and sheer quality.

I am soon coming up on my six month mark of being in Japan. I’ve done a lot of things since I’ve been here: traveled across half the country, been in a major earthquake, been in a major typhoon, moved apartments, had a bike/car accident, ended my engagement, met someone else, broke up with them, got harassed by them, went to Tokyo Disneyland, went to a hot spring, rode the bullet train, stayed in a capsule hotel, ate raw chicken (as sashimi), got my first gray hair… it’s been a whirlwind experience. Sometimes I get lost on trains and can’t get back on track–no pun intended–for at least another 2 hours. That can be extremely frustrating when you can’t read or speak the language. Sometimes I buy a pastry at the bakery thinking it would make a nice dessert and it turns out to be savory. Sometimes I buy a shirt that’s a size L and it turns out to fit like a size S. These instances usually make me smirk a little because that’s the experience of a gaijin living in Japan. These are the things that will make me strut though life not letting the petty stuff bother me.

I just got my ticket yesterday to go back home to California and I’m looking forward to going home. I don’t necessarily feel homesick, per se, but I do welcome the opportunity to see my family (and what a great family it is), and maybe eat some real Mexican food. I also welcome the break from all things unfamiliar. Like driving on the other side of the road, or sleeping on an actual mattress as opposed to a futon. Baking something in an oven will be amazing because, quite frankly, who doesn’t like to bake cookies around the holidays? Most homes (apartments) in Japan don’t even have an oven. It will also be nice to fall into a pile of warm clothes that have just come out of the dryer. I don’t think anyone in Japan has a dryer. (I’m sure someone does, but that’s not the point). The thing is, home is home. It will always be that. I feel lucky as hell that I have a home too… I know some don’t. So I like to keep myself feeling lucky and grateful. I know a lot of people who love the town they grew up in and they’d never want to leave. Those people might say I’m ungrateful for wanting to leave my hometown. But I say leaving my hometown makes me even more grateful.

I’ve lived in three different cities around the world since leaving my hometown and now that I’m in a foreign country, I feel more at home than ever. I’m certainly not Japanese and in no way do I fit in around here. I was never really a Japan-o-phile but I always had an interest in the exotic and the world outside America, and Japan falls into those categories. It’s been a struggle to adjust to life here and there are a lot of things I wouldn’t be able to do without relying on someone who can speak Japanese and English. Strangely, though, I feel more independent and at home–with myself– than ever before. I do not feel that I have reached the pinnacle of self-discovery or self-realization by any means, but I do feel like I’m heading in the right direction. My future plans include living in one or two more foreign countries, possibly for an extended period of time. Depends on the country.

There is so much you can learn about yourself, your hometown, your home country just by learning about other people and their towns and their countries. My passion for communication and bridging the gaps between people and cultures has only been cemented by my experience living and working in Japan. As a teacher, I get to have some of the most amazing 50-minute conversations with my students. These stimulating talks are the mere tip of the cultural exchange iceberg. It’s times like these that make me want to stay in Japan another year. But I also feel the pull toward other countries. Like I said, I’m no Japan-o-phile. I find value in all kinds of cultures. The more experiences I can have, the better. There is so much I want to do, you have no idea. The best part about it all, though, is that I feel like there’s no rush. I certainly don’t feel as though I’m wasting any time, either. I’m going at exactly the pace I should be going.

I can only hope that others get to experience or have experienced what I’m experiencing now. I’m not talking about living and working in another country, specifically, but more the metaphysical and transcendental experience of realizing one’s own and the world’s potential. For me, it’s an overall satisfying experience. I wish I could share it with you, but this blog just won’t do it justice. I’ll still give it a shot, though.

A ex hóspede do Brasil e rechonchudinha Mariah Carey, acaba de lançar seu vídeo para o single “I Wanna Know What Love Is” (em português: “Quero Saber O Que É O Amor”), uma regravação de 1984 da banda Foreigner.

A música está na trilha sonora da novela global: “Viver a Vida” e já faz um estrondoso sucesso pelo mundo.

O o clipe é dirigido por Hype Williams, que já dirigiu vários artistas como Cold Play (Viva La Vida) e a novíssima de Jay Z feat. Alicia Keys (Empire State of Mind).

Assistam abaixo e comentem:

Eu particularmente não gostei muito, o que vale a pena são as demonstrações de amor, entre amigos, entre um casal gay, entre pai e filho, marido e mulher, médico e paciente. E acreditem, ela está magérrima (Photoshop?).

Quanto a qualidade do vídeo, tá ruím mesmo, foi o único que vazou até agora no próprio site da cantora.

Agora, em compensação, o clipe de Empire State of Mind, dirigido pelo mesmo Hype Williams tá bem legal, uma homenagem a Nova Iorque (adoro).

Vejam abaixo de presente:

Leonardo Portela

]]> http://rockofages.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/mick-jones-and-kelly-hansen-talk-foreigner/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:47:02 +0000 rockofages http://rockofages.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/mick-jones-and-kelly-hansen-talk-foreigner/ http://asifjmir.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/problems-of-conduct/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:00:23 +0000 Asif Mir http://asifjmir.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/problems-of-conduct/

In Japan’s early history, a serious disregard for manners could be punishable by death, and any samurai could kill any common person who failed to show him proper respect. The Japanese were required to behave in precisely prescribed ways—wearing permitted clothing, walking only a certain way, sleeping with their heads pointing in a certain direction and legs arranged a particular way. Eating, greeting, gesturing with hands, opening doors and many work tasks had to be done in assigned ways without deviation. Conduct became a measure of morality, and virtue in manners was visible for all to see. Even today, the code of conduct plays a significant role in the lives of the Japanese. Many societies, not Japan alone, have a prescribed form and manner for every familiar situation that might arise. Unforeseen situations can cause intense embarrassment or discomfort. Throughout East Asia, actions are judged by the manner in which they are performed. More important than the accomplishment of a task is the question of how someone went about trying to complete the task: Did he act sincerely? More important than winning the race is the grace of the runner. More important than expertise is the way one gets along with others. More important than profits is harmony. In contrast, Westerners and particularly Americans are more concerned with the principles of things, hard “measures” and objective facts. Although rules of ethics are extremely important, we are more goal oriented than method-conscious, we say “a good loser is a loser.”

One aspect of form is the concept of “face.” Much has been written about “face-saving” in Japan and China, but face-saving is important absolutely everywhere. The difference is only a matter of degree and nuance. Where an American might feel a little guilty or inadequate, an Asian, Arab or South American may feel deep shame and humiliation. What an American might see as a little honest and constructive criticism, the foreigner may take as a devastating blow to pride and dignity. A foreigner is likely to be sensitive to feelings of others in transactions that an American would consider strictly impersonal, such as returning a defective product or switching hairdressers. The traveler simply must be more conscious of saying things or behaving in ways that cannot be taken as disrespect, criticism or humiliation. In some countries it seems just about anything can be taken personally, even such indirect affronts as not taking your shoes off in a mosque or complaining about the heat.

Harmony with the environment can be as important as sensitivity to people in some cultures. In Japan a woman wears a soft pastel dress to a flower show so as not to take away from the beauty of the flowers. In countries where people believe in reincarnation they are careful about all forms of life. In India, for example, people are careful not to swallow gnats or step on ants—one might be a relative.

My Consultancy–Asif J. Mir - Management Consultant–transforms organizations where people have the freedom to be creative, a place that brings out the best in everybody–an open, fair place where people have a sense that what they do matters. For details please visit www.asifjmir.com, Lectures, Line of Sight.

“Hola, me llamo Mariah Carey, tengo 40 años y soy oligofrénica”. Sí, es lo que grita este amasijo de secuencias sacadas de cualquier tutorial del Windows ‘95 deshilachadas con lo que simula ser un fragmento del FIFA, ese videojuego que aturullaba a los pivones que nos molaban en la fase más hormonal de nuestras vidas y que nos relegaba a una sempiterna tarde de miradas no correspondidas e instintos homicidas a flor de piel. Un puto suplicio.

Pero analicemos con detalle el videoclip. En un principio, parece que Mariah ha decidido volver a su “dorada” época glitteriana. Vemos brillo en sus ojos, vemos resplandores a su alrededor, cada gesto suyo refulge entre la multitud que la vitorea, Mariah se siente querida… y mimada por la vida. Pues sí, ciega de delirante ilusión, es obvio nena. Todo ello a pesar de que está clavada como una estaca en el centro del estadio como si estuviese estreñida y no fuese menester el moverse por si una flatulencia con “regalo” fuera a dar la bienvenida a los presentes. Mariah es una mujer segura. Sabe lo que hace en cada momento. Y por ello decidió recorrerse el mundo muy en su papel de Willy Fogga y seleccionar entre las mejores piezas de cada casa. Ahí va:

0:31 – Mariah quería un ‘boy’ para su vídeo, porque ella es muy de mostrar todo el amalgama de posibilidades humanas que pueblan nuestra sociedad. Ella quería un negro de verga ancha con un pequeñajo super-Global Humanitaria subido a sus hombros y lo obtuvo. Menuda es ella.

0:37 – Mariah siempre está a la última de todo y sabe todo lo que acontece en el vasto panorama musical de nuestros días. Por eso fue al último concierto de los Jonas Brothers celebrado en el Palacio de los Deportes y se metió en la buchaca a las cuatro gatas que más mojaron sus bragas. Y se le coló un fan de Mónica Naranjo. Mariah no está en todo, ¿vale?

0:41 – A Mariah le gusta mantener el contacto con sus miles de fans y es consciente de que una gran parte de ellos se relacionan amistosamente a través de Gaydar, una red social muy al estilo Facebook, ¡que viene con sorpresa incluída! Pero ella es más de portadas, y si pueden ser con mangueras negros mejor, así que se fijó que en el inicio de dicha página salían curiosamente Usher y Wesley Snipes con un sombrero de cowboy… SÓLO. Y pues decidió que esa estampa merecía ser homenajeada en su vídeo. Ale, a la saca.

0:48 – Mientras, Mariah se sintió sobrecogida por la discografía de Enya y ordenó al cámara que quería verse reflejada como una pequeña ninfa del Bosque de las Hadas. Y sí, salió muy ninfa, pero de las que se recorren la calle Montera de arriba a abajo cada día. ESTILO, ELEGANCIA y PORTE.

0:55 – Mariah es de las que siguen cualquier serial de tintes médicos porque es de las que salen de fiesta con sus cuatro amigas del barrio y les mete los dedos hasta la campanilla para que vomiten cuando el vodka ya ha cumplido su cometido. SOLIDARIDAD. Y es por ello que cogió a dos extras que salían en el capítulo 15.384.306 de Urgencias y los puso ahí, con su silla de ruedas y la mar de monos los dos. SOLIDARIDAD ESTÉTICA.

1:01 – Mariah tiene una amiga que se llama Da Brat. Y es pescadera. Mariah tiene una amiga que tiene una amiga llamada Macy Gray que se dedica al transporte de virutas de madera. Y Mariah tiene una prima que tiene una amiga que se llama Alicia Keys, la cual se dedica a la manufacturación de hueveras. Pues al percal todas.

1:17 – A Mari le encanta viajar allende los mares y en uno de sus múltiples viajes tropezó con Estocolmo. Y vio a un niño que vendía kleenex en el primer cruce de Kungsgatan con Sveavägen. Y lo secuestró al más puro estilo Mariah: “que te doy una nube de azúcar, súbete a la limo, que sí corazón…” Y hala, al sobre. Mariah cuando quiere es INDIGNA.

1:47 – A mitad camino entre Detroit y Kansas City, Mariah paró en una gasolinera a soltar la pota (muy en su papel de Thelma & Louise) y conoció a Daniel y Lorraine, una pareja encantadora que regentaba dicha gasolinera. Y por dos bocadillos de mortadela con olivas se los cameló y ahí los tenemos como dos puertas acabadas de barnizar. Un lujo.

1:54 – Mariah pensó que la comunidad lesbiana no estaba lo suficientemente representada en su videoclip homenaje a al pleistoceno los 80, así que se fue a la comisaría del distrito 2 de Rancho Cucamonga donde le indicaron que Keemeeka era el ejemplar perfecto para lo que ella buscaba. Lo que pasa es que se pasó con el gloss para los labios y la pobre Kee parece que acaba de limpiarle los bajos al maromo del minuto 0:31… Y nada más lejos de la realidad.

2:08 – La extra de Urgencias se mete en su papel y aspira al Globo de Oro como mejor interpretación de musical/comedia del año. La chica vale.

2:15 – El sauce muy Mª Antonia Iglesias que sale enmedio de estas dos Bella Easo de la vida se pone tontorrona y con la mano en el pecho parece estar cantando cualquier canción de Luz Casal en lugar del tema de Foreigner. DESPISTE.

2:30 – Mariah ve a lo lejos un unicornio… y obviamente se arrima al pilón. EMOCIÓN.

2:37 – ¡Un kg de arroz cada mes para toda la vida! Qué fácil es hacer feliz a la gente que lo necesita, ¿verdad?

2:57 – Mariah está obnubilada: “¿qué es lo que veo? ¿un ejército de marines trajeados dispuestos a dispararme si es preciso? ¡Por fin Dios ha escuchado mis plegarias!”

3:00 – FALETE INTERNACIONAL

3:08 – El sauce llorón explota mientras su compañera de la derecha cree que es Carnaval y pone cara de insecto-palo. AHORRO.

3:15 – Mariah leyó El Quijote hace unos años y siempre se le quedó la espinita clavada de hacer un homenaje como Dios manda al famoso jinete manchego. Así que decidió convertirse en molino de viento… y a rodar (Leona Lewis hizo de especialista en las escenas de alto riesgo… PRESUPUESTO).

3:24 – Y como Mariah es conocedora de todas las artes habidas y por haber, retomó su pasión por el CINE, se enfundó sus mallas negras de andar por casa y se puso negra de Doritos mientras veía entusiasmada la colección completa de FLIPPER. Y algo le removió sus adentros. El resto es historia.

3:24 – Mariah se duerme… y nosotros también.

BUENAS NOCHES

GLITTER IS BACK!

Amazing how much can change in so short a time. Last post I was plagued by a need for a job and no hopeful prospects. Now, I have a seemingly ideal job with contract signed and certification starting in three days. I’m going to be an English teacher at Gaba. They’re an English-teaching company in Japan that specializes in one-one-one lessons (“man-to-man”, as they call it, which of course sounds awful). I applied two months ago, and then again one month ago, and then again this month, because they put out a job posting on Gaijinpot.com every month (or maybe that’s just because they weren’t getting enough teachers – but if that were the case why didn’t they contact me sooner?). They were actually where I applied first this year, but after hearing nothing but a single rejection letter in two months, I had all but given up hope. I wasn’t going to apply in November, but I just happened to remember about the website after leaving in search of a Japanese job, and whaddaya know, I get the job this time.

I remember thinking as I applied for November that it would probably ironically work out this time, simply because I had come so far since my first time applying, in terms of courage to call (even Japanese) employers and do interviews, etc. Those were things worth learning, so I can’t be too mad that I didn’t get the job until now.

However, I’m definitely glad for it now. I was getting worried.

I felt so out of place at the first interview (information seminar, then brief cursory interview). There were probably eight of us, and though I probably looked fairly similar to the rest of the applicants, I felt so conspicuous. They all looked exactly like the stereotype of a Caucasian English teacher in Japan, mostly due to their formal dress. Like I said, I was dressed up too so I probably looked far less out of place than I felt. I think I was the youngest.

Another thing worth mentioning is that having grown up in Japan, I naturally assume that any foreigner I see on the street has less experience with the culture than me. So I avoid interaction with them, seeing as they will sooner or later do something extremely stupid and embarrassing and I will be associated with them because, to a Japanese, I look just like them. Funny, isn’t it? I’m a foreigner, and yet I’ve developed the same attitude towards them as the Japanese, that is, “He is a gaijin, he must be stupid and culturally inept. Must distance, must distance.” I only realized this a few years ago when I worked here with guy from America and he noted, “Foreigners here don’t associate with each other, do they? They almost seem hostile.” Yeah. You are embarrassing me, go away.

But now I willingly thrust myself into that environment and I’m going to stay in it because now they’re my colleagues. Ha. I don’t mind terribly. They’re interesting people. I’m just being forced to embrace my foreign self more than I’m used to doing when I’m here in Japan.

It’s quite an ideal job though. I submit when I’m willing to work each month and the clients sign up for times on the website. I can work as much or as little as I please. I hope there are a lot of students, because I want to earn a lot. I’m also going to be teaching kids. I was relieved to hear that that’s also one-on-one, because one kid is easier to manage than a group. I just hope I can keep him/her happy.

Most of the lessons are “blue-booked”, meaning that the client chooses the instructor based on prior experience or maybe just the profile and ten-second video on the website. I wonder how appealing mine is. It was quite awkward taking it, I hate those situations. It was funny to imagine weird videos though; for example the stereotypical American who came to Japan for the anime and maids and whatever else, and now finds that he still needs money to live on in his fantasy country. So he somehow manages to get a job with Gaba, and in his profile video belts out, “Konichiwa! My name is Bob Smith, I’m an otaku! I love Japan!!” And I imagine him doing the awesome Andy “I love Japan!!” face which involves him rolling his eyes back and…you know, better than me trying to explain it would be simply showing you. Here. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azxO12l0mVw

Like I said, he’s awesome. I don’t think he’ll mind me shooting him a little traffic, although maybe yes if I’m acquiring all sorts of creepy readers. Which I don’t think is the case, seeing as my daily view count is still in the single digits.

So now I have a job and will soon have a (presumably) stable source of income, but I’m still curious about making money with a blog. I figure it’s only a matter of time before word gets out about this, and then I’ll hardly know what to do with all the traffic. I hope you know me well enough by now to understand just how seriously I believe that sentence.

I was looking into putting ads on blogs, and I haven’t looked very far, but it seems to be very simple. I’ve also heard that you need at least a hundred views daily to start making money. Any thoughts on that? Yes, I know that I could just find a blog on that very topic, but I’m giving you a chance to speak up. Actually that’s wrong, you’ve had that chance ever since you stumbled onto this little waste pile of cognition. Now I’m giving you the invitation.

And everything is of course so much brighter now that I have a job coming. I can enjoy life. I can open my shutters and breathe in the sunlight. I can also get back to studying Japanese, because that test is closer than ever and I have so much left to study.

I have a lot of things I want to write to you about but it will have to wait because I’m still busy. I’ve worn a suit every day for the past three days – but I need to get used to it, because with Gaba’s dress code I’ll likely be wearing a suit six days a week from now on. I want to buy a suit rather than borrow my dad’s forever. I wonder if they have my size here, if it won’t be astronomically expensive, and if it will look cool.

Study time.

-Grant

In correlation with Visit Korea Year 2010~2012 with Seoul, Cheonggycheon has been transformed into a hanji paradise. Statues of religious, cultural, international, celebrity, animation, and various other themes are displayed atop stands over the river bank.

You can find Seoulites wandering the streets as they carry out the challenge of taking the best photograph for the ‘Visit Korea Year’ contest. I know many of you have those bulky professional cameras so don’t miss this great photo opportunity! See the miraculous transition from day to night as the statues are lit up around 4:30pm. You can also expect to see live performances (see videos Part I through V in sidebar) from swing jazz, rock, ballads, to b-boy dancing depending on the time and day. Perhaps you’ll even be able to get a glimpse of the laser and fog fountain show if you’re lucky. This alternative digital media by Laurent Francois only happens in the evening, when is a good question as even the local citizens don’t have a clue. No matter, there’s still plenty more to do. Why not enjoy making a traditional or rectangular lantern? For a nominal donation of 1,000won, the mini craft booth will help you light up your own creation. Don’t forget to peruse the other canopies where you can get info on Japanese mask/costume performances, free bark scent pouches, maps, brochures, body painting and tons more!

Date: Nov 11 – 15, 2009

Time: 2pm – 10pm

Directions: Take subway to Gwanghwamun Station, exit 5 or Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, exit 2. You can also take the bus 401 or 143 and get off at Woori Bank (Jongnojijeom): 우리은행 종로지점.

Site: here or here

What is there left to write,

When my sense of home has faded.

Fallen souvenirs pirouette in the air ~

Leaves dancing downwards ~ like specter.

The ink must wait, and rest til winter is over

(My spirit retires to quiescent under the covers)

Things freeze like the trees, even the lake dozes.

As wakeful hours become less and less,

Mind loses its bluntness,

The page speechless.

Distance drained my veins bloodless

Even the pulse of my pen ceases.

I’m losing grip of the eidolon of home, 

It’s warmth I can’t even recall.

Like the trees losing their leaves to autumn,

The hands of memories that used to lift me,

For a time, fail to save my spirit to fall.

I let the cruel wanton winds to take me;

I trust the higher will would be kind.

I write my thoughts in the palms of the season,

I trust them to come back in time.

When my sense of home fills me up again;

When revenant of home,

Like eidolon,

Returns.

—

Jeques, 2009. From his “A Traveler’s Soliloquies” poetry collection.

Did you know about this day?  The purpose of World Kindness Day (Dzień Życzliwości) is to look beyond ourselves, beyond the boundaries of our country, beyond our culture, our race, our religion and to make us realise that we are citizens of the world.  It reminds us about the importance of everyday acts of kindness.  This day was officially launched by the World Kindness Movement in 2000 and is celebrated around the world during the month of November.

Wroclaw also  is celebrating this day on Nov. 21st through several free events such as the final round of the Best Dwarf Story competition, The Kind Person of Wrocław 2009 award ceremony, concerts and events for children.  Full program in english here and don’t miss the “Foreigner-Friendly Wrocław” contest, organised by Radio Wroclove!
And remember to …..smile be nice and be aware of others.  You don’t have to wait until the 21st of November to do that

Photos: Agencé Furyo_Gaijin

Gaijinkirai Kamo, the Japanese national accused of murdering a young British woman was arrested today after a nationwide manhunt, following the release of photographs taken before and after his extensive plastic surgeries.

National Police Agency spokesperson Omaru Omawari whined, “We’re just relieved we’ve caught this fugitive especially since we let him slip between our fingers in the first place. We also failed to anticipate just how far this dastardly criminal would go to change his appearance. I mean now he looks just like Taylor Swift, how were we supposed to know?”

Noriko Sakai, who was convicted on Monday of neglecting to throw away drug residue, acting way-too-cute-way-too-past-the-expiration-date, and marrying a self-proclaimed pro surfer, commented, “I plan to get a divorce, study care-giving, and then in three year pose nude to re-start my career when my suspended sentence is up. I’ll be baaack.”

When asked for comment, Perky Oppai, young Japanese woman on the street, said, “Wow, where did he get his bihaku treatment, I want to look like that! Kawaii!”

The unidentified caller who called the police was to receive a JPY 10 million reward but was stoned to death by neighbors, colleagues, and family members who became jealous and resentful of his windfall.

# # #

In other news, the Michael Jackson tribute movie, “This is it!” failed miserably at the box office when the movie title was translated into Japanese as, “This is Shit!”

Posted via email from invisiblegaijin

Ayer por la noche, viendo los capítulos repetidos de los Simpson, en uno de ellos, que habré visto como unas doscientasmil veces (sin exagerar jaja), si no recuerdo mal era en el que Apu se casa con Manjula, de repente escuché de fondo el estribillo de Hot blooded de Foreigner, y como me hizo mucha ilusión y me recordó al grandiosísimo concierto que tuve el placer de ver el 10 de junio de este mismo año en Madrid, he decidido hacer este breve recordatorio y así recomendaros una de las canciones que durante el concierto sonaron con más fuerza y que además sirvió para cerrarlo.

Aquí os dejo la canción y el vídeo : ) :

Foreigner – Hot Blooded

.Reina de Hielo.

In October, Korea holds numerous festivals and events in preparation for Kimjang (김장), when historically women from the villages would gather together and make large batches to store and eat during the winter months. Preserving it at cold temperatures creates fermentation through lactic acid production (even more than yoghurt) from the red pepper powder, garlic, ginger, green onions and radish sauce. In fact, with about 33 calories per 100 grams, it is known as the ‘cure-all’ sworn by Koreans to fight cancer, aging, skin issues and even the hard to believe, H1N1 flu. It wasn’t until Joseon Dynasty however, that people associated kimchi for its red color from peppers introduced after the Japanese invasion in the early 17^th century. The 18^th century brought on a predominant use of red hot peppers and the 19^th century is the Chinese cabbage (배추) we see today. I couldn’t find statistics on the average consumption of kimchi most likely because, well, we eat it everyday. Personally, I’ll eat it with every other meal and it looks as though most foreigners enjoy it also. So if you haven’t joined the bandwagon of kimchi lovers, it’s not too late! Here are some events to note for next year and upcoming events the rest of this month:

Kimchi Love Festival (Oct 23^rd through 25^th, 2009) www.kimchifestival.org

Best Kimchi Cooking Contest

International drum, fan, flower, fusion and vocal (pansori) performances on the main stage in front of Gyeonghuigung Palace

Kimchi from the Past Gallery/Exhibit

Kimchi Making (Step 1: make a cross with the cabbage, 2: put sliced radish in the middle, 3: stuff creases with persimmon, dried mushrooms, onions, and various other seasonal ingredients, 4: wrap cabbage leaves over the radish, 5: wait a few days and ENJOY!)

International Food Court (featuring samosas, kebabs, falafels and spring rolls from various Asian countries)

Royal table demonstrations

Booths with various products relating to Korean history with Kimchi (lots of rice wine and samples…YUM!)

Gwangju Kimchi Culture Festival (Oct 23^rd through Nov 1^st, 2009)        www.kimchi.gwangju.kr/

Making Kimchi for Charity/김치 담그기 자선행사 (Nov 9^th through 11^th, 2009)           http://global.seoul.go.kr

About 700 people participate daily (including 100 foreigners today and tomorrow) in volunteering to make kimchi for the less fortunate. This includes about 50,000 cabbage heads to fill 7,500 boxes of kimchi which will be distributed throughout Seoul. Held outside the former Sudo Girls High School (200 meters) from Sookmyeong University Station, exit 2, the Seoul Global Center in Hannam-dong provides an opportunity for foreigners to register for this event from 9am to 1pm with lunch provided.

Rock God Cred Report:

Click here to check Foreigner’s Lou Gramm covering the 60’s classic by the Small Faces “Tin Soldier”

Buy “Long Hard Look”…some solo Lou Gramm for ya.

C’mon now… who can honestly say, with a straight face, that they don’t love Foreigner. I most certainly cannot. Eighties hair metal gives me a boner. But you know what really gets me hot and bothered? House music remixes of eighties hair metal, specifically “Cold As Ice” by Foreigner. This remix by Bastille, two young bad asses that hail from LA and love the eighties (and make sweet dance music), is sure to get you hard (or maybe just me because I’m a creep).(Ed. Note: ATG does neither condones nor condemns boners.)

MP3: Foreigner – “Cold as Ice (Bastille Remix)”

Lets Dance,
Nick

Remember back in the 80’s when you would go to the record store, buy a cassette, open it, look at the cover art, read the liner notes, slide the tape in the tape deck and crank it up? You do? Well then…you are an 80’s child…just like me. In today’s world, we don’t buy cassettes or CD’s or albums anymore. We download. And all the songs are so serious or sexual or just plain dumb. Whatever happened to love songs? Or songs about heartbreak? Or how down on our luck we can be? Back in the 80’s, that was all they sang about. And bands like Journey or Def Leppard or Whitesnake knew how to rock out and let loose. Who knew they were still doing it?

When Foreigner released “Can’t Slow Down” (available only at Wal-Mart), it had 2 things going against it. First…I hate Wal-Mart. Second…I never really cared all that much for Foreigner. Sure…I like a few of their songs from the 80’s. “Juke Box Hero” was always a good single. And then you have “I Want To Know What Love Is” which, I think, pretty much everybody danced to at their first high school dance back in 1985. So they had a few hits that I listened to, but for the most part, I was more of a Def Leppard/Journey/Sammy Hagar fan. So imagine my surprise when I was presented with a free copy of the new album and…well…I actually LOVE IT!

Here’s the thing about the 80’s…it was simple. Granted…I was a kid back then so I had no stress. But even then, it was a different time. And the music that was coming out then was simple. Huey Lewis & The News, Hall & Oates, Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks, on & on & on. Artists were releasing FUN music. And even when the music was heavy, it had a simple pop sensibility to it (“Billie Jean”, “Papa Don’t Preach”). So much music now is so over-complicated with technology. Beeps & whistles and overdubbing. It can all get in the way of a good, simple rock song. It’s not needed. And Foreigner proves it on this album.

With new singer Kelly Hansen joining the band (Lou Gramm is gone), Mick Jones & crew have never sounded tighter. Every track is a great pop nugget and could have been included in just about any 80’s John Hughes film. When I first listened to this album, the film “VisionQuest” came into my head. With rockers like “Ready”, “Angel Tonight” & the title track, they could have easily fit into the action scenes where the guy takes the girl on a motorcycle ride through the city. And then you have the love songs like “Fool For You Anyway”, “I’ll Be Home Tonight” or “As Long As I Live” where the guy is racing to stop the girl from leaving. And then the end titles could be “In Pieces” or “When It Comes To Love”, with their sweeping guitars & keyboards (and a surprise sax in the latter). Simply awesome…

Everyone is gonna laugh at me about this…but I miss this kind of music. The lyrics are simple (sometimes TOO simple) and the hooks are powerful. They are melodic and carefree and fun. This is an AWESOME album and so far, it’s possibly my favorite album of 2009. Imagine that…an 80’s band releases an album that SHOULD have been released in 1987 and I love it. Go figure. And go buy “Can’t Slow Down” at your local Wal-Mart. It might be the only time I ever say you need to go to Wal-Mart…but you won’t regret it. And I bet once you listen to this album you’ll understand exactly what I’m talking about here. And you’ll wish it was 1987 all over again…