Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Out of the Bubble

One of the weirdest things about living overseas is that I am no longer a part of the US news cycle. The only way I can keep up with things is on the internet. Many news events are covered in the Korean media, however all of that content happens to be in Korean. A language which, as it is, I don't know.

This means that I haven't seen that funny commercial. I tend to know what movies are coming out because I am friends with the marketing person at a large theater chain, and two of my friends run a non-profit theater. However, I have no idea what movies are good. Sometimes I can tell on facebook that a movie is popular because so many people talk about it in the status updates.

FYI, New Moon was just released here. Dec 2.

But to me the weirdest thing is that being outside of the news cycle, I can really see how stupid some things are. Seriously, it's none of anyone's business what Tiger Woods was doing a few nights ago. He really doesn't own anyone any information.

Why should he? Because he's famous? That's just stupid. He is just a guy. Sure he wife prolly pounded the crap out of him with his own golf club. So what? Really, it doesn't affect your life at all.

Also, American politics make me want to punch kittens. Guess what, health care is too expensive. It is. And jerks at insurance companies are getting rich off of you. And so are politicians. And no, you won’t turn French if the healthcare bill passes.

Speaking of politics, I read where Obama hasn't done anything yet, eh? You all know he has been president for less than a year right? Are we really already looking at his legacy? The media keeps talking about it, so do you too. I know, I understand. I used to have an insatiable thirst for news too. But with the internet and who knows how many all day news channels, it is just too much.

I've been able to spend my days playing with little kids, and my nights working on hobbies. I can read a new book, study Korean, or take some photos. Guess what? It's really nice not knowing every last detail about the latest scandal. I mean, the police report from the Tiger Woods thing is pretty easy to figure out between the lines. Do you really need TMZ to tell you what happened? And, really, do you care? At all? If so, why?

My recommendation? Turn your TV off, grab a book and find a cup of something nice to drink. What I wouldn't give for a root beer float right about now.




(my hobby)

2 comments:

  1. Perhaps a root beer float from Dixies?! :D Or Mishler's?! :D

    I hear ya on the news stuff. So often people, usually middle aged men, will hear me say I never watch the news (when they're talking about some crazy scandal or something... someone going on a shooting spree or some politician doing whatever...) and they act like I'm some idiot for not paying attention. You know... I don't feel like paying attention to friggen EVERYTHING that our media wants me to... get over it. That doesn't make me an ignorant asshole.

    LoL. So basically, I agree. :)

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  2. Hi Josh,

    As always,I enjoy reading your blog. Haven't signed up for Twitter yet.

    We just got back from Tanzania. Out in the bush there is little concern about "the big stuff" whatever it is on a given day. Tanzania is a democracy with many challenges. A long-standing drought has changed the face of Central Africa. Agriculture is no longer a major source of employment. Tourism is now a top contender. Tourism is still in its infancy in Tanzania. With 16 national parks, Tanzania is the country to visit to view wildlife.

    The people are so proud that Obama is our president. His picture is all over the place. They talk like he is one of their relatives.

    Happy holidays. I'm sure the experience will be a unique one for you in Korea. Will you get your Dad and Dixie over for a visit?

    Jan

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