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Showing posts from May, 2014

2014-05-31 Michael Kirby also likes taking photos

Huh? There was a lecture? I was too busy taking photos. But yes, I did hear from others that Michael Kirby was giving a speech about the UN-COI report as I was taking photos... * Based on my notes, I wasn't taking notes. What I did hear of the lecture...wow! I tend to dismiss reports, but he had me believing that this report was actually worth it and has me suspecting that there is deeper strategy than just releasing a report. * My reputation precedes me...people were waiting for me to take photos. Some people ask if I take photos for Facebook. I joined Facebook in August 2012, but my picture taking started about 2009. I still remember an art exhibition party I went to three years ago. I met and talked with almost everyone at the party, took photos with almost everyone, then after being there about two hours, I said to a friend, "I guess I should look at some of the artwork?" Which I did, for about 4 minutes, then resumed taking photos and meeting people... Th

2014-05-25 Mulmangcho: APIS donation

In one of my recent Korea Times columns, I discouraged people from doing donation drives. But some people don't listen to me. And the folks at the Asia Pacific International School ignored me and showed up anyway, making a two hour drive across Seoul to donate items. I admit that I make an exception in their case, because they have donated almost 2 million won to Mulmangcho and want us to make another presentation soon at the school soon. It was a wonderful day. Of course, thanks to Maynard Villamer (Philippines) for guiding the teachers. He was handling first-timers Jennifer Ai (Canada), Park Bae Yeng (USA-Minnesota) and Rachel Lewis (the UK). They were all great with the students. They wrapped up the day by playing, but making the games a continuation of the learning targets. It was another enjoyable day at the school.... volunteers, students, staff, visitors, parents, dental students. To donate, investigate The Korea Times 2014-03-10

How can I help North Koreans? (The Korea Times, May 7, 2014) by Casey Lartigue, Jr.

How can I help North Koreans? By Casey Lartigue, Jr. During my  mini-speaking tour last month in the U.S., giving speeches in Washington, D.C., Chicago and New York City,  I enforced the same rule that I use in South Korea whenever I discuss North Korea: Only one question about reunification will be allowed during Q&A. The reason for the rule: I have seen many discussion sessions destroyed with most of Q&A focusing on an issue that no one in the audience can do anything about. Reunification is the ultimate talking topic with no direct consequences for being wrong; kind of like debating about your favorite sports team. The reality is that 99 percent of us have no influence on reunification and will never receive invitations to the six-party talks about North Korea's nuclear weapons. I try to get audience members to focus on doing something practical. Many people get stumped by that challenge, and continue to ask other