A hunk of glass and plastic.

I spent a sunny, slightly warmer Saturday afternoon wandering about with my new lens for a few hours.  A fabulous gift from my dad.  Having a lens in the 70-300mm range is a big adjustment.  It's heavy.  It's huge.  It's awesome.

Currently listening to:  Picture Frames, Georgia Fair.

The Comfort Women

During my last trip to Seoul, my sister and I visited a comfort women protest.  The comfort women are women who were forced into prostitution by the Japanese government during their occupation of Korea.  They were mostly teenagers who suffered immense tragedy.  It was their job to "comfort" the Japanese troops as they saw fit.  Few of these women are still alive.  The ones that are continue to demand an apology from the Japanese government.

Sadly, the Japanese government won't even acknowledge the events that transpired so long ago.  The comfort women have come together to protest Japan every Wednesday at noon.  They sit in front of the Japanese embassy chanting, holding signs, and are usually joined by many others.  They have been doing this protest every Wednesday since 1992.  Rain or shine, the group gathers.  Though the day we went it was freezing and none of the Halmonis (Korean eldery women) were present.  A large group had still gathered and set up photos of the women and protested on their behalf. 

 The group that gathered (it was probably 15 degrees with the wind that day)

 The Japanese Embassy

 Pictures of some of the comfort women.

A supporter who continued to yell across the street at the embassy gates.

I don't understand why Japan won't apologize.  I know this group isn't going to give up anytime soon. 

For more information on the women, go to http://www.houseofsharing.org/.  

ick.

I used to think North Korea was really scary; until I read more about the Westboro Baptist Church.  Turns out, they are even scarier than them and Bill O'Reilly (Hard to believe.  I know).  It makes me sick in ways I can't begin to explain.  Go to their website if you dare.  It's a psychotic rant unlike anything I've ever seen.  I was merely attempting to understand what it was their point was.  Turns out, they probably don't have a point other than showing the world that some people (them) in this world shouldn't be counted as humans. 

On a positive note, it's Friday in Korea!  Enjoy a peaceful weekend!

blank slate

This Christmas present is going to keep me busy for weeks.  Or months.

Currently listening to:  Smile, Lily Allen.

Wow.

Having some of the coolest people in the world spend the holidays with me was amazing.  I'm the luckiest.  Here are the highlights.

Happy New Year!  2011 is full of awesomeness waiting to happen.

Currently listening to:  Fireworks, Katy Perry.