(no subject)

Those who know me know that when my education is complete, I'd like to go to Japan or China for a while to teach. I say I'd like to go for a year, but the reality is I'd like to go for as long as I enjoy it.

At any rate, this website is written by Brendan O'Kane, an American teaching in Harbin, China. He speaks much better Chinese than I do (not difficult considering my difficulties in hearing the Mandarin and Cantonese tones), and so likely has a much better time of it than I would. From his site I've learned I'd be pretty miserable in Harbin for one reason: Freaking Cold.

Eh. Japan is higher on my priority list, anyway.

(no subject)

One of the things I think is most wonderful about being alive in this time is that even now we're discovering -- or rediscovering -- a wealth of information about our world and its past.

One such discovery is of ancient Chinese sailors who traveled the world long before the European explorers we all learned about in school -- including compelling new evidence that the Chinese may have discovered America in 1421.

I've been talking about this for a while now, but Gil Asakawa writes of it in his column, Nikkeiview.com.

Go take a look.

(no subject)

( Perhaps I should rethink where I want to emigrate )

(no subject)

It's old, but it's still worth reading for those few clueless who remain:

When You Meet Gay and Lesbian People: Hints for the Heterosexual
(With (entirely tongue-in-cheek) Commentary by Mahdi)

1. Do not run screaming from the room. This is rude.

Not to mention it's completely gay.

2. If you must back away, do so slowly and with discretion.

Actually, screw that. If you're one of those who must back away, just go. We don't want you around in the first place. And don't back away, walk away so we can at least stare at your ass for a few seconds.

3. Do not assume they are attracted to you.

Unless you're hot. I mean, sheezus, people, we're still human.

4. Do not assume they are not attracted to you.

Unless you're ugly. Or, you know, the opposite sex.

5. Do not expect them to be as excited about meeting a heterosexual as you may be about meeting a gay person.

'Cause, you know, been there -- done that.

6. Do not immediately start talking about your boy/girlfriend or husband/wife in order to make it clear that you are straight.

Because A) We probably already knew, and B) If you feel you must make it clear, we probably weren't interested in you anyway.

7. Do not ask them how they got that way. Instead ask yourself how you got the way you are.

And then ask yourself how many beers it will take to change you for an hour. When you get to the perfect answer, let us know. But only if you're a frat boy.

8. Do not assume they are dying to talk about being gay.

Because, hey -- it doesn't say "Gay Information Station" on MY forehead.

9. Do not expect them to refrain from talking about being gay.

But I am gay, so dammit, let me talk about MY drama sometimes!

10. Do not trivialize their experience by assuming it is a bedroom issue only. They are gay 24 hours a day.

Which is why my house is such a mess. Who has time to clean when I'm so busy being gay? And don't even get me started on how I STILL haven't bought the curtains for my office. I feel like a redneck.