7.6 Earthquake Rocks Phillippines

A 7.6 earthquake rocked the Phillippines this morning killing one after a house collapsed. A tsunami watch was initially issued for the Pacific, reaching as far as Hawaii, Japan and the Marianas, but the watch was canceled a couple of hours later.

Palau and the Phillippines, however, are still are on watch. Multiple aftershocks are expected.

Let's pray for no other impending danger to any more lives!

Lee Hong Ki's 1st Day on M Countdown

FT Island's front man Lee Hong Ki treated his Twitter followers to a barrage of selcas and various photos from the backstage of his new gig, M Countdown.

Hong Ki is replacing Tony Ahn as an MC on the show.

For his first day, he was surrounded by congratulatory/welcoming flowers, an assortment of gift bags and gifts showing the rock star just how much they loved having him there.

I'm not quite sure how long this gig of his will last, or how this will affect any tour schedules, but I am very happy for this guy. And I am sure fans are excited to see him in an MC role again. He's got the experience, he's done this before, he's a natural.

Hong Star 축하 해요 (chughahaeyo)! Congratulations! Looking forward to greater things from you!

Fans check him out on air August 30th.

Source: Lee Hong Ki's Twitter.

Testing...

Is anyone out there?

It's been really odd not to see any views on any posts within the last couple of days. Really out of the ordinary actually.

If I'm not meeting up to expectations please tell me. Or drop me a line to tell me what kind of news you would like me to keep an eye out for. Or subjects you wouldn't mind knowing more about.

I'm a bit hesitant to post anything else if it won't be read.

Anyone out there?

Happy Belated Birthday Song Seung Hyun!

I can't believe I already broke a promise I made myself. I promised myself that when I found a group that I liked again, I would pay tribute to each member in some way.

Please allow me to do a bit angry fan girling. Aaarrrggghhh! Yes, I probably am a bit too hard on myself. And yes, I may be going over the top a bit. But I hate not following through on something I set out to do.

So...even though it's a bit belated, I wanna say "Happy Birthday" to one of the younger members of FT Island and Mr. Daniel from the musical Jack the Ripper, Song Seung Hyun!

I found these videos online (yep, not mine) and I couldn't help but laugh at the first one. Love the rest!

Ok, here's how he really sounds like. Hello? He was in a musical!

In case you missed it, he's the one in the blue long sleeved shirt, with no beanie on. =)

And, like I said in an earlier post, the boy can rap too. What a multi-talented guy!

The Sensation That is PSY!

On VH-1's Big Morning Buzz, Carrie the MC says that Psy is "ridiculously blowing up" with more than 45 million views on YouTube of his video, "Gangnam Style".

Really? Forty-five million? Last time I checked his video, people were still going, PSY who?

What a break through for Korea! I think he's just about the only artist that has single handedly won the world over. That may be a grand statement, but come on! If stars around the world want to learn his dance and collaborate with him on projects, you gotta believe he's the new black, the IN thing, the shizz. I honestly haven't seen this kind of buzz about any other Korean artist internationally.

I hope he continues to ride his rising star!

Check out the clip from VH-1 below. Credit of course to VH-1, justin.tv and the sensation that is PSY!

Bolaven Bowling Over South Korea

We all hear about hurricanes and typhoons and the devastation they leave in their wake.

After slamming into the island of Okinawa off the coast of Japan, Typhoon Bolaven is on it's way to the Korean peninsula. It is expected to hit at least Jeju island tonight/today (Monday).

As someone that's been through many hurricanes (the Eastern Pacific name for typhoons), I am worried for the people there.

There will be flooding, torrential rain and thunderstorms. Not to mention high winds. I pray that they will all be kept safe. I am sure they are taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their people, but I ask that anyone that reads this post keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

News article on Typhoon Bolaven

Bra Wearing Lee Hong Ki?!

Oh Hong Ki...please say it isn't so?

The lead vocal of popular K-rock group, FT Island, confessed in a TV interview that he has worn a bra.

Wait...like whaat?!

This confession came about when one of the MC's on the Korean show, "GO Show" asked the idol curiously why his name pops up as wearing a bra (on an unnamed search engine) when someone does a search on his name.

The handsome star answered that fans used to send him and the other FT Island members their underwear. What a way to catch attention! Previously worn underwear. (Ew! Retch!) Did they label it with their names too?

He and the other members, you know, being that they are pretty much secluded from most female contacts and just out of sheer curiosity, tried on the bras to see how they felt like. At least I hope it was only bras...yeesh.

Umm, in most countries, this is considered "cross dressing", Hong Ki. 

But what was cute was that he followed up with a "girls are probably uncomfortable. It was too tight."

On another note, why would girls send their own underwear? What if you, I'm just gonna say it, didn't smell so fresh?? (for the article, click here)

This reminds me of a situation earlier this year. During their Mnet Stand Up concert in L.A., a girl had thrown a bra onstage. Hong Ki picked it up like it had three heads and if I remember correctly, he tried to hand it to one of the other group members before tossing it on the side.

Ladies, let's keep our undies where it belongs, please. There are other ways to catch their attention.

I wonder what they do/did with all those bras?

By the way, can anyone who reads my post tell me if they can read any of my current posts? I usually post daily, and I think there may be something wrong with my site. Please help me? Thanks in advance!

FT Island's Busy September

With their fellow brother group, CNBlue, getting ready for a performance abroad, FT Island is keeping busy on the home front.

The 5 members, Lee Hong Ki (lead vocals), Choi Jong Hun (Leader and lead guitar), Lee Jae Jin (bass guitar), Choi Min Hwan (drummer) and Song Seung Hyun (guitar) have been taking a short, quick breaks when they could after wrapping a multi-city tour in Japan last month.

On September 1st and 2nd, they will hold their 6th Korean concert, "Take FT Island".

Photo Courtesy of FNC Entertainment & FT Island's Facebook

Fans must have been anticipating another concert because tickets were sold out almost as soon as they went on sale!

There will be no rest for the weary though, they are currently in studio preparing to drop their next Korean album sometime in July. If their last album, and especially single "Severely/Jidokhagae" were any indication, their next album is something to keep an eye out for!

Does anyone have any favorite memories of the group? Whether it be at a concert, interview or otherwise? Could you share your stories?


By the way, can anyone who reads my post tell me if they can read any of my current posts? I usually post daily, and I think there may be something wrong with my site. Please help me?

CNBlue Members Yong Hwa and Jung Shin feel short?!

Most people would feel short when standing next to the 6'1" Lee Jung Shin and 5'11" Jung Yong Hwa of Korean rock band CNBlue.

But both seemed like the average joe's height after a photo of the two members were tweeted from CNBlue's Official Twitter account.

Both were standing between Korean Olympic volleyball players Kim Yeon Kyung and Yang Hyo Jin (both are over 6 ft. tall). All looked adorable next to each other, except for the fact that the two women had to bend down a bit to take the picture.

It's kind of odd to see since I have never seen Korean volleyball players. I had no idea that they were that tall! And on another note, I knew Yong Hwa had always considered himself short compared to the other members of CNBlue. In an earlier interview, he mentioned that while shooting the cover to their album, "Bluetory", he felt self-conscious since the other group members had to lean back against the wall in order to slouch a little bit. Yong Hwa was the only one standing straight up. But considering that he is 5'11", I think he has nothing to be self-conscious about.

Although the group has been on break for a little while, they certainly seem to be keeping themselves busy.

In fact, be on the lookout for Jung Shin in a drama that will be coming out within the next month or two. I believe it's called "My Daughter Soyoung" and it is said that Jung Shin has been cast as one of the main characters.

For the full article click here.

The members will be heading over to bright ol' London, England for a performance on September 22nd and tickets are now on sale. If you would like the link, please see my post "CNBlue London Concert Tickets on Sale". The link to AEG's site is located near the bottom of my post.

Asian Stars Bulking Up Pt.2

Earlier I posted noticing a trend going around with Asian stars. The young men are shedding their boyish baby fat and trading them in for muscles.

Here is a prime example, and I must "apologize" for using one of my favorite Asian stars, Choi Jong Hoon, the Leader and lead guitarist of FT Island.

Below is a photo of the charming, sexy leader from a previous photo shoot. (Not sure how long ago this was taken, but he looks pretty young)

Notice the long sleeves and sweet smile? =)

Cut to earlier this year at the Mnet Stand Up Concert in Los Angeles this past March. He is seen rocking out during his solo in "Like Birds".

Sorry, this really isn't a great photo. I think this was taken off of a fan cam. But notice how he's showing a little definition? A little sexier here showing off a little of his chest and arms? This was when he really began to work out.

Now, check out this recent photo that was tweeted by FTI's Leader himself and I think you will see a big difference.

This photo is generating a lot of interest since Jong Hoon is not normally known for showing skin. He's usually very shy about showing his body. I guess not anymore!

For me, I would rather have the March look. Lean, not too defined, but still manly looking. Other women may disagree with me. In fact some of you may not even be paying attention to what I'm typing right now, which is understandable. Nice, huh?

Gone are the sweet young things, now stand before you manly men. Prepare the bibs, ladies!

By the way, I do not own any of these images. Credit to the rightful owners, including Jong Hoon-sshi. I just had to use him as an example to show what I was babbling about earlier.

Good work Jong Hoon! Your fans love you more!


By the way, can anyone who reads my post tell me if they can read any of my current posts? I usually post daily, and I think there may be something wrong with my site. Please help me?

Psy at a Dodger's Game

Take a look at who showed up at a recent L.A. Dodger's baseball game?

Poor Psy, his song, "Gangnam Style" is blowing up internationally, it's even hit radio and video sites in the U.S.

He was obviously attending a baseball game as a spectator, but cams spotted him when his song came on. He seemed unsure as to what to do. At first he waved at the camera, but after some prodding (cheering) from the crowd, he began to do his "Gangnam Dance".

What else was cool about it was that others in the stadium were also doing the dance showing further how much this song has turned into quite the trend.

Radio stations where I live are picking up this song and including it on their playlists. People don't even realize he's singing in Korean until he gets to the chorus. Hilarious.

If you haven't seen his video or heard his song yet, umm, where have you been? Google it!

Check out the video below. I don't own it, and sorry for the post in the way. You'll be able to still see him, though. Google it! Go Psy! Go Psy! Go Psy!

CNBlue London Concert Tickets on Sale

I posted earlier about CNBlue having a concert in London. Did you know they always wanted to perform in Europe?

Well, all you U.K. fans I hope you get the chance to see them, tickets are now on sale!

If you want your chance, barring the possibility they are sold out, go to AEG's link below for more information!

www.aeglive.co.uk/cnblue

I'm so excited for you guys! I hope this doesn't sound too much like a commercial?


By the way, can anyone who reads my post tell me if they can read any of my current posts? I usually post daily, and I think there may be something wrong with my site. Please help me?

CNBlue in a London Concert

It's been announced on their Facebook page today that South Korean group CNBlue will be having a concert in London on September 22nd! You UK fans are so lucky!

If you're a friend, you can check out their Facebook page, some of the details are below, but the ticket sale date still hasn't been announced so keep an ear out for that.

Date: September 22, 2012
Time: 7pm
Location: IndigO2, Greenwich, GB
Price: Vary between 35-45 pounds

By the way, can anyone who reads my post tell me if they can read any of my current posts? I usually post daily, and I think there may be something wrong with my site. Please help me?

Thank you!

I just wanted to send a quick thank you to everyone who has been reading my posts so far. I love you guys! I will do my best to be a good writer and keep my posts interesting.

This is my first time writing a blog. Please feel free at any time to comment, share your thoughts with me! Tell your friends, and of course, please subscribe!

Thank you!
감사합니다!
どうもありがとうございました。
Terima kasih banyak!
Terima kasih banyak-banyak!
Merci beaucoup!
Ich danke Ihnen sehr!
Большое спасибо!
cảm ơn bạn rất nhiều!
Mahalo!

On Set Life

I once again lived two lives.

One as a production crew member and the other as an actress.

Granted this time I was only an extra. But all in all, I was just like everyone else.

I had to check in, get my wardrobe checked to make sure I had the appropriate attire and the colors that I had on didn't blend too much with everyone else.

Instead of hair and make-up, I proceeded to wait for my scenes. I was led on set by a production assistant, given my instructions and then cues. The PA would say "rolling" and then.... "action!" At which time I would begin my scene with everyone else.

Then, there's the wait while the director reviews the footage. From there it's either more waiting, or re-setting to the first position.

And.... Repeat a hundred times. No joke.

The director will try many different combinations between actors and/or extras before finally yelling "cut!" and then... You set for the next scene. Repeat this past paragraph 4 times and them move to the next location. It was like this for 12 hours a day.

These actors and actresses are awesome. It takes talent to be in a spot. You have to wait for hours and you never know when they will want you.

After hours of waiting, you get to your marker and play your role. It's very hard to go from cold to enthusiastic or pessimistic, depending on your assigned role.

After a 12 hour or more day, you get to do it again the morning.

Still think its fabulous? Like I said in a previous post, it's hard work. I wouldn't exactly recommend to just anyone.

Good luck to anyone who tries.

Total Respect for Production Crews

In my line of work, I've been privy to behind the scenes looks of documentaries and commercials.

Today was an especially grueling day on set. Working with multiple talent (actors and actresses), many combinations of wardrobe and props under intense summer heat, I have found a greater respect for production crews.

Stylists, prop artists and production assistants constantly rush back and forth the whole day getting a prop for an actor, fixing hair, wardrobe and make-up, making sure outsiders (everyday people) are kept off the set and quiet and basically making sure everything is moving along smoothly. It is rough! On top of that, the director, sound and lighting crews make sure everything is sticking to script and lighting is ok. It's especially rough when you shoot outdoors, like we were today. We were constantly having to wait for the sun to come out behind clouds. Sometimes we would have a couple of minutes and sometimes it was only a few seconds to get precious takes. It is a heck of a lot of waiting!

Craft service crew members (the ones that provide the food, the good part of being on set) fill and refill snacks and food, making sure no one goes hungry or thirsty. Staying hydrated today was a problem since it was so hot.

There is so much work that goes into putting together a piece that goes on TV. And I didn't really understand why people would lose sleep or weight. Now, I get it. Perhaps I didn't stay for long enough on sets before, or perhaps it just didn't click when I read actors lose sleep and weight during weeks of shooting. (Google pics of different actors like Jang Geun Suk, Kim Hyun Joong, and Lee Min Ho pre, during and post production on their dramas. You'll see what I mean) With call times in the early morning and wrap up times late at night, it's no wonder!

It's so cool and glamorous on the outside. A friend of mine on Facebook thought it was so cool that I work on sets. And yeah, it is. You meet people and you get a first look at everything. But it is tiring work. I wouldn't recommend it for just anyone.

I definitely have total respect for production crews on TV shows and movies. Especially the ones on Korean dramas. I hear they run their crews ragged to get the perfect takes on shoot constantly, day after long day. Whew!

Tomorrow, I pull double duty. I'll be part of the production crew and I'll also be acting again. We'll see how it goes. Hope I wake up on time, it's another early morning call and a full shoot day.

Blog about it later! Happy weekend! Hwaiting!

Asian Stars Bulking Up!

I've been noticing trends with the Asian male stars, and mostly Korean since that's what I've been watching a lot. There seems to be a trend favoring bodies that are leaner and sexier.

Where lean and skinny was once considered handsome or pretty, muscular and "cut" (showing muscular definition) seems to now have taken over.

Take for instance one time SS501 leader Kim Hyun Joong. While he was filming the popular K-Drama "Boys Before Flowers" he was lean, a little on the skeletal side and handsomely beautiful. Cut to a few years later and he's seen without shirts showing off his ripped (aka chocolate) abs and defined pecs and biceps.

Another example is CNBlue hottie Jung Yong Hwa. He was Park Shin Hye's affectionate, yet sometimes awkward suitor in the popular drama "You're Beautiful". While filming, he was lean, with slight definition to his arms and chest. Earlier this year, after wrapping up promotions for CNBlue's latest album, "Ear Fun", he tweeted that he would be hitting the gym to bulk himself up. In a recent video posted on AllKPop, he shows off his back in a wife beater (that's a men's tank top in case you haven't hear the term before. It doesn't actually mean that you beat your wife). His back muscles and arms clearly defined as he flexed for the camera.

Lastly is FT Island member's Lee Hong Ki and Choi Jong Hoon. While at a concert, in front of hundreds of their fans, they promise they are going to show them better bodies at a future concert. Jong Hoon and Hong Ki hit the gym and while they were in Thailand, Hong Ki pulls up Jong Hoon's shirt displaying his abs to all their adoring fans. Sadly, I don't think Hong Ki was able to show his set off yet. (sorry ladies!)

My point is, what is the point?? In just my humble opinion these guys looked great before they started to work out. I know they love their fans and it's their job to look good, but honestly, sometimes stars/idols can go overboard. Why do these stars feel like they need to bulk up in order to look more handsome? Weren't they handsome enough before? What? Their  handsome faces, voices or acting weren't enough? And why are we, the fans, encouraging them to change? I hope it's for their own self worth and health. I think that would be ok. But anything other than that, is so unnecessary in my opinion.

These stars shouldn't tamper with what God gave them. They should be grateful they're already handsome. I wish these stars would remember that some fans love them just the way they are.

Want to see an example? Go to part 2 of this post. Tell me, do you think as handsome as these stars are, they need to be bulking up?

By the way, can anyone who reads my post tell me if they can read any of my current posts? I usually post daily, and I think there may be something wrong with my site. Please help me?

Psy Goes Viral

South Korean "sensation", Psy, has gone viral internationally.

His catchy tune, "Gangnam Style" has garnered such international popularity that it has taken many, including Psy, by surprise.

In fact, his video has been watched more than 20 million times on YouTube. Holy smokes oppa! That's a lot of track suit, slick haired, horse riding watching going on!

This former Berklee College of Music graduate thought to just infuse his video with "gusto". Haha, I guess it worked!

His video has even been the subject of many parodies, and in some cases like a friend of mine, covers. And it doesn't seem to be stopping.

My only request is, if politicians are going to use it for political gain, please at least don the proper attire and do Psy justice by wearing a "slick" suit and greased back hair. And don't forget the shades please. Then proceed to ride the pony. Only then will you get some votes. Really.

For the article from Reuters, click the link below:
http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/08/13/entertainment-us-korea-uncool-idINBRE87C05R20120813

Netflix vs Hulu Plus for K-Dramas

I am going to go out on a limb here and just assume others have been in my situation.

I am currently debating whether or not I want to reinstate my Netflix membership or not. Why? I simply am not happy with the selection on Netflix. Especially when it comes to Korean dramas.

I think it's been especially, pardon my expression, "sucky" the past year as they moved away from blockbuster movies to TV and drama series. Granted it's been because they lost their partnership with Starz (I believe) but I have my doubts on whether or not this was a good move.

But, I digress...I can go onto a totally different tangent on just their movie selection alone. I want them to have more K-Dramas! And not just the older titles, but current titles as well.

Netflix has been a bit of a thorn in my side when it comes to K-Dramas. They have well-known dramas, but some dramas do not have all of the episodes. For instance, I was thrilled to see that they had Lee Min Ho's drama "City Hunter" and Song Seung Hun's drama "My Princess". But when I went to watch them, there was only half of the episodes listed. Now, they have the full list of episodes ready to watch. But my pet peeve was when I wanted to watch them, they weren't available. And this was after the dramas had been complete for some time. Netflix also has hiccups in their service where it takes quite a while to stream movies or dramas. My experience has been that Netflix would stream for 12 seconds then stop, then stream for 5 seconds and then stop again. Very, very difficult to watch. I have never experienced this with anyone else like YouTube or Hulu.

Speaking of Hulu, I am currently exploring Hulu Plus. I just started my trial the other day. I have to say that I am impressed so far. Not only do they have the older K-Drama titles, but they have newer ones like "My Name Is Kim Sam Soon" as well such as "Time Slip Dr. Jin" and "Baker King Kim Tak Gu". I will note that "Dr. Jin" has not finished airing yet, or may have just finished, but all of the episodes up until this point have been posted on Hulu ready to be streamed. They stream from Drama Fever and have pretty much everything that Drama Fever has, and just within the last year alone, I know that they have grown quite a lot in their selection.

However, I have a slight annoyance with Hulu. I am not sure if this will go away once I have membership, but every program, TV series or movie I have tried to watch has what they call "limited commercials". This is something that I never experienced with Netflix. I hate it. I hate it that YouTube does it, and I hate it that Hulu does it. I hope there is a plan that let's me remove commercials, for a good price of course.

So, the jury is still out on both of these services. But frankly, without the good movie service and the fact that I would use either service to watch K-Dramas, I am leaning more towards.....Hulu Plus.


By the way, can anyone who reads my post tell me if they can read any of my current posts? I usually post daily, and I think there may be something wrong with my site. Please help me?

FT Island's Song Seung Hyun Kicks Off Musical

Has anyone heard about what FT Island's maknae (youngest member) is up to now?

Well, it looks like he's joining the rest of his hyungs (older "brothers") as an actor.

In one of my earlier posts, I wrote about how surprised I was that Song Seung Hyun could actually sing. Apparently, he can sing pretty well. Well enough to be cast into role of "Daniel" in the musical "Jack the Ripper".

Now, I'm waiting for the jury to come out on whether or not this guy can act. But if his singing is any indication, he may surprise us.

But...and it's a small favor to ask...can someone talk to the make-up artists, let them know that the guy is actually good looking. And that he doesn't need all that pancake make-up in order to look good.

Hey, I'm all for stage make-up, it worked wonders for me. But if you don't need a lot of it, please lay off. For one, it makes you look like a ghost, another is that it gets very itchy. And lastly, if you start to sweat, you begin to sweat rivers of pancake make-up. Trust me when I say that it doesn't look very good under hot lights.

Take a look below and tell me, does he look like he needs this much make-up? *have to disclose that I don't own this picture. I took it off of allkpop, so rights go to them*

The poor guy has so much make-up he looks like a woman and just shy of a clown. Give the guy a break, please?

Song Seung Hyun...like your hyungs told you, work hard and do well! Hope you have a successful run that will lead to many more opportunities!

Psy's Gangnam Style!

OMG, this song and it's music video is everywhere here. From radio stations, to Facebook posts to covers, it's becoming extremely popular!

I'll admit that this song is super catchy. The beat, the catchphrase "Oppa Gangnam Style!" is so repetitious you'll be saying it in your sleep. And the dancing, good lord the dancing, I can totally see a new dance craze.

But wait! Why does that dance move look so familiar?? Oh yeah! It looks like the galloping horse dance from back in the early 2000's. Only now, it's updated to use two hands to "hold the horse" instead of one.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not bashing Psy for coming up with a repeat move. I just find it funny that a version of the horse dance is making a comeback so soon. Can you just imagine a whole flash mob dancing to this? That would be so cool!

I really like the lyrics. It's interesting cause it's level headed lyrics, but weird because it's with off key scenes.

The lyrics talk about how he is the type of guy, like the guys from Gangnam, that likes girls that are clothed more without any bare skin showing. Like Gangnam guys, he finds girls that are like that sensible, but sexy. Totally his style. Got to respect that. (I'm paraphrasing only a section of the song by the way)

It's hilarity but with a good message.

"Oppa Gangnam Style!" LOL!


I do not own this video. All credit goes to PSY. What a guy that PSY.

Pray for the Phillipines

As the Philippines gets drenched in rains and swept up in flooding, please pray for them that this will pass quickly and without any more harm to lives.

Ssam (쌈) or wraps

Ssam literally means "wrap" or "to wrap". They can be made out of anything you can imagine- lettuce, cabbage, seasoned meats, thin rice sheets. Think of Mexican tacos but Korean-style.

Ssam are normally eaten with a variety of stuffings. Some like to eat it with rice or bap(밮?), with meat, chicken or pork and topped with go chu jang sauce (a spicy pepper paste), garlic, onions, kim chee and/or maybe an assortment of veggies. Then, everything is wrapped up in the wrapper of your choice. (Take a look at the photo for an example. I don't own it by the way. I wouldn't think about taking a photo of something this yummy. It'll be gone in seconds. Credit goes to the owner.)

The tricky part is trying to shove it all in your mouth. If you've ever seen Korean dramas or Nichkhun in Mnet Scandal, you'll see how hard it is. If you're not careful, you can easily spill it all over yourself. And if you have a cute dress on, you do not want spicy pepper paste on it. It's best to eat with friends you are comfortable with as they won't mind if you look like a piggy.

If you do happen to eat on a date, it is customary (I believe) to accept a ssam that is wrapped for you. If you can not eat it all in one bite, please do cover your mouth and face away from your date.

I personally only eat it with family. I usually prepare mine using lettuce (Sang chu ssam (상 추 쌈) = lettuce wrap) with thin slices of beef that has been topped with go chu jang or dipped in a sauce made with peanut oil, salt and pepper. If I'm especially hungry, I put in some rice. Either way it's healthy and really delicious! It's perfect for hot summer days. I highly recommend using ice cold red leaf lettuce or romaine lettuce.

Hungry for some right now!

Time Slip Dr. Jin

Also known as just Dr. Jin, this medical historical drama seemed interesting in that it blended modern with the old.

A modern day doctor, Jin Hyuk, played by Song Seung Hun, travels back in time to the Joseon Dynasty.

Trying to keep out of trouble, Dr. Jin tries to blend in as much as possible. However, situations arise where he is called upon over and over to save lives.

What gets me is that Dr. Jin is a modern day doctor, but he's somehow slipped into the past where there is no such thing as needles, IV's, clean workstations and proper medicine.

How does he deal with such archaic methods? He introduces them!

For instance, when the people in ancient Seoul are plagued by viruses and infections, he makes penicillin and administers it to the people. Oh, heck no! What would Fleming have to say a hundred years later when he introduces it?

Then Dr. Jin performs surgery using knives and cutting tools not invented until much, much later. Need an I/V? He just pulls the rubber out of his bag and tells someone to craft a needle and get him a glass jar.

When faced with the possibility of a time paradox, he doesn't stop. He keeps on administering medicine and introducing new medical methods to help heal the ill. (Removing tumors, treating poisoning by pumping the stomach, etc.). It's getting to be a bit much.

Now, this drama is almost at an end and I am only through watching half of it. But every time I watch an episode I see another problem with Dr. Jin introducing things that shouldn't be introduced yet. I am interested in seeing how this all plays out, but gosh darn it, it is darn right frustrating. I mean, come on! Can't he see that he's changing history?

The fact that I like this drama enough to keep watching it is very disturbing as I normally don't like historical dramas. But, as frustrating as it is, it's still entertaining enough for me to be able to shout at the computer.

If you want to join in my K-drama frustration, look for it on sites like dramabeans.com, mysoju.com or dramafever.com.

Dr. Jin/Song Seung Hun, if you weren't such eye candy, I don't think I would give you much notice.

U.S. Swim Team- "Call Me Maybe" Parody

A week ago a video surfaced on YouTube of the U.S. swim team doing a parody of Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe".

It. Made. Me. Smile. 

It's a feel good video of hard working Olympic athletes having a little bit of fun in the pool, on the plane, in a bus, hotel hallways, at appearances, etc. And, you know what, why not? They work hard every day, a little fun to help the body unwind is good medicine, I think. And, may I say, it certainly did not hurt most of them. Just check the medals.

It shows that they're not just work horses, but that they're people that like to have fun, too. And they have a sense of humor like the rest of us.

It may not be such a show of solidarity as a music video South Korean idols had done, but gosh darn it, it was still cute.

Let me just preface this a little bit by saying that these are swimmers so there will be some in scant dress. But for the most part they are clothed.

You'll recognize Missy Franklin, Ryan Lochte and of course, the awesome Michael Phelps. 

Here's the video. Credit goes to Ms. Jepsen and the U.S. Olympic Swim Team 2012.

Author Note: Ok, I tried to upload the video from YouTube, but it is blocked from being viewed on sites like blogs I guess. But if you do a search for "US Swim Team Call Me Maybe", you'll be sure to find it. Hope you enjoy!

Re-Organizing

Hello! Please pardon me as I go through some re-organizing of my blog. I noticed someone tried to look at my food tab but there's nothing there right now. Still a learning process for me.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

SISTAR "Loving You" Drum Cover

I have a good college friend who loves to do drum covers of songs from famous artists.

After some, ok lots, of begging, he's starting to do covers of K-Pop songs again. Yay!

One of his new drum covers is by popular girl group, SISTAR!

I love this song and I love the scenery. It was shot in and around one of my favorite places to blog, a beach park in Hawaii!

I wanted to share this with all who come by. He's an awesome drummer and I want him to keep doing K-Pop! If you have a moment, stop by the "Xymbalreborn" page on YouTube. And show him your love for this song by liking it.

By the way, if you've ever seen a TV show called "Hawaii Five-0", he does a pretty good drum cover of that, too. It's one we all know too well, haha.

Check out his video below!

Pancit Bihon Palabok

One of my most favorite Filipino dishes is pancit bihon palabok, or just palabok.

What is pancit bihon palabok? It's a dish made with thin rice noodles (pancit bihon) and tossed gently (or ladled generously with) with a sauce made with pieces of pork or chicken, stock, sliced onions and carrots, garlic, fish and soy. Topped with slices of egg, crumbled chicharron and green onion. It's usually served for special occasions like birthday parties or weddings. And, from I know, a little labor intensive.

My aunty made the best palabok while I was growing up. If she was throwing a party at her house, I made my parents go just so I could eat it. (Yes, even then I was a little piggy.) Sadly, she is no longer with us and I never got the chance to grab the recipe from her.

Now I have to settle for whatever I can find in restaurants or Filipino take-out counters.

Thankfully, there is a restaurant that my sis-in-law turned me onto that has palabok that tastes really close to what my aunty used to make.

Here's a picture of what it looks like. The link below the picture has a fairly decent recipe. If you want to try to make it, by all means, be my guest. They sell the sauce mix alone, too.

If you try it, let me know what you think!

Link to site: http://eternaltreasures.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-cook-PANCIT-PALABOK#


Happy eating!

Joo Ji Hoo Making Comeback

Remember him, gals? It's rumored that Joo Ji Hoo (Goong/Palace, Antique Bakery) will be heavily promoting himself in a new drama series and a movie! What it will be yet, I will be sure to find out!

I sure have missed this guy!

Lee Hong Ki- Rock Star to Movie Star

Am I being too presumptuous? I have a lot of faith in him!

Lee Hong Ki, actor and lead vocalist for FT Island, was recently cast as the lead role in the upcoming comedy/drama movie "Our Heaven". He will be playing a spoiled, arrogant and bratty singer who is ordered to spend some time working in a hospital to get him in check. I think we know where this will be going.

When I heard this news, I squealed! I am so proud of him. He's got acting chops, good looks and a sweet charm. I can't wait to see him a little bit the opposite. I have every bit of faith that he will give his everything into the role and that he will be great.

Lee Hong Ki! Hwaiting!

Reference http://www.dramabeans.com/2012/07/lee-hong-ki-cast-in-in-his-first-film/

Olympic Fever

This is not related to anything Asian. I just wanted to share that I have Olympic fever. Just like millions of viewers across the globe, I have been glued to the telly since the opening ceremonies.(Present time excluded)

Tonight, as I was watching the men's swimming preliminaries, I heard a name that I haven't heard in ages come up. Matt Biondi.

In a nutshell, Matt Biondi was an Olympic swimmer who represented the US in the 1984, 1988 and 1992 summer Olympic games. In his Olympic career he won 11 medals.

I happened to meet Matt as he was teaching at a school on the Big Island of Hawaii. I was coordinating a photo shoot for work in which he was one of the participants.

When he walked into the room, I tried to keep my cool, be calm and be professional. But on the inside I was screaming. I had watched this guy swim when I was just a little girl. And he inspired me to want to learn how to swim.

He was an intimidating 6'7". But, let me tell you, as we went through the shoot, I could see he was a down to earth nice guy.

I will forever cherish that moment. Some people have the chance to win gold. I will never be able to have that chance. But at least I was able to shake the hand of one of the greatest swimmers and spend a couple of hours with him.

My Olympic moment. My Olympic memory.

One day I'll share another. My Kyla Ross one. I still can't believe the US women's gymnastic team won gold!

Fanfics

Other than a bit of posts on this blog, I've been toying a bit with the idea of creative writing along the lines of fan fiction.

Until I started to get into Korean dramas and K-pop, the only concept I had of idols were American Idols.

Then I found dramas like My Name is Kim Samsoon, Summer Scent, Boys Before Flowers and You're Beautiful. And then there were groups like SS501, Girls Generation, CNBlue and FT Island. And I went fangirly!

I thought to myself, "wouldn't it be great to write stories about these stars?", and then I found out I wasn't the only crazy one. There are actually sites, yes, sites, full of these stories. Bwahahaha! A fangirl's dream.

After reading more than I could count, I am inspired. The only thing is, what or who to write about? There's too many! Should I open this up to suggestions?