Well, isn't this just exciting? Secret's new video came out today, and it already sounds like another hit is in store for the fantastic four. It's also their first single with a half-Korean, half-English title:
After going the "cute" route for two singles, they're changing it up with the in-your-face sexy route this time. That's certainly typical in the Korean pop world, I suppose because it helps keep you in anticipation for what the group is going to do next.
As for the music, I'm impressed. Secret's producers seem to be among the most creative in the biz, because they're always doing something a little different than what everyone else is doing, but not different enough so as to seem completely outside the market's interests. Take this song, for instance. They basically combined a 1960's garage-rock sound with modern-day heavy-bass dance pop. I'd never thought about that hybrid before, but now I've heard it, and it stands out from the pack in a good way.
It's been over two years since Secret debuted, and their first full-length album is out today as well. Their previous releases had all been mini-albums, which are essentially EPs or glorified singles. Needless to say, my weekend shopping list has a new item on it.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
One of the Advantages of Living in Korea
I was just doing some thinking, and I realized that there's something I really like about being in this country: Koreans don't care about American football. Yes, football isn't even on the map in the Land of the Morning Calm. Around these parts the two main sports are baseball and soccer, with anything else having a niche following.
When Mariano Rivera set the saves record, they actually covered it on the news. I could open a newspaper right now and there'd be coverage of the MLB playoffs. The Korean baseball playoffs are going on right now too, and that gets its due priority, but there's enough interest in MLB to warrant a degree of media attention. I love it.
Yesterday was a tough day for us in Gwangju, as the KIA Tigers were eliminated from the playoffs. It was disappointing, but it shouldn't have been totally unexpected, as they were the lowest seed. We'll get 'em next year (I hope).
Right now I'll be happy for whichever team is left standing in MLB, as long as it isn't the St. Louis Cardinals. They're the only team left I can't stomach, and they just took a 2-1 lead in the NLCS. The Rangers are one win away from their second straight AL pennant though, a prospect I find most exciting. Before the 2010 season I never would have envisioned the Texas Rangers playing in two consecutive World Series. No AL team has lost back-to-back World Series since the 1963-64 Yankees, so if the Cardinals end up beating the Brewers, I hope those old Yankees can retain that status.
Right now I couldn't even tell you what week it is in the NFL season, and frankly, I like it that way. I don't know which teams are winning and losing, and I don't care, either. I've practically forgotten that the NFL exists. My focus is now completely on the one sport that matters, as it ought to be. If I can make it past the Super Bowl without knowing who won it, I'll feel a real sense of accomplishment.
When Mariano Rivera set the saves record, they actually covered it on the news. I could open a newspaper right now and there'd be coverage of the MLB playoffs. The Korean baseball playoffs are going on right now too, and that gets its due priority, but there's enough interest in MLB to warrant a degree of media attention. I love it.
Yesterday was a tough day for us in Gwangju, as the KIA Tigers were eliminated from the playoffs. It was disappointing, but it shouldn't have been totally unexpected, as they were the lowest seed. We'll get 'em next year (I hope).
Right now I'll be happy for whichever team is left standing in MLB, as long as it isn't the St. Louis Cardinals. They're the only team left I can't stomach, and they just took a 2-1 lead in the NLCS. The Rangers are one win away from their second straight AL pennant though, a prospect I find most exciting. Before the 2010 season I never would have envisioned the Texas Rangers playing in two consecutive World Series. No AL team has lost back-to-back World Series since the 1963-64 Yankees, so if the Cardinals end up beating the Brewers, I hope those old Yankees can retain that status.
Right now I couldn't even tell you what week it is in the NFL season, and frankly, I like it that way. I don't know which teams are winning and losing, and I don't care, either. I've practically forgotten that the NFL exists. My focus is now completely on the one sport that matters, as it ought to be. If I can make it past the Super Bowl without knowing who won it, I'll feel a real sense of accomplishment.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Rough Week
This last week at school was one of my most difficult yet.
For starters, one of the Korean teachers left. This wasn't just any teacher though, we're talking about a woman who was an integral part of this school. In the classes I co-taught with her, her presence was often required for anything to get accomplished. It was strange having to do some of them on my own, and it was a near-miracle that I was able to get as much done as I did. There was also some schedule shuffling mid-week, and it was hectic getting used to different protocol for the same classes.
Of course, that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was that I was hit with a cold that hoarsened my voice. It's tough keeping a class under control when you don't speak the kids' language; not being able to raise your voice above a low rasp makes it something like fighting a war with Nerf guns. I did the best I could though, and I hope I gave the kids sufficient teaching despite my vocal limitations.
My voice is getting better, and it's almost back to normal, but I've been resting it for most of the weekend. My hope for the next week is that it goes much more smoothly and that the obstacles will be kept to a minimum.
For starters, one of the Korean teachers left. This wasn't just any teacher though, we're talking about a woman who was an integral part of this school. In the classes I co-taught with her, her presence was often required for anything to get accomplished. It was strange having to do some of them on my own, and it was a near-miracle that I was able to get as much done as I did. There was also some schedule shuffling mid-week, and it was hectic getting used to different protocol for the same classes.
Of course, that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was that I was hit with a cold that hoarsened my voice. It's tough keeping a class under control when you don't speak the kids' language; not being able to raise your voice above a low rasp makes it something like fighting a war with Nerf guns. I did the best I could though, and I hope I gave the kids sufficient teaching despite my vocal limitations.
My voice is getting better, and it's almost back to normal, but I've been resting it for most of the weekend. My hope for the next week is that it goes much more smoothly and that the obstacles will be kept to a minimum.
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