2017-02-21 People are everywhere at TNKR!

Sometimes people ask, "What would you do if you had $10 million?" My answer is: "Pretty much the same things now, except that I would do them first class."

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So it is with TNKR (now FSI). If we had more money, then we would be doing the same things, except that we would do them first class. Hire staff, get a bigger office. and other things that would make us a more stable organization.

February 21, 2017 was another reminder about our lack of space. As one of our staffers said, "Wow, there are people everywhere!"

Unfortunately, they also don't believe in whispering, which was a problem with a small space, three classes simultaneously, phone calls, media, guests, staff. With so much chaos, the only reason I didn't leave is because I'm the co-director.

* * *

Yes, we do serious work, but we can also have fun, as TNKR Special Ambassador Eunhee Park demonstrates.

Studying in the kitchen area, I thought they would have trouble concentrating, but it almost seemed we didn't exist as Eunmi and Arrooj studied despite all of the people and noise going on around them. It is cute, but it does make me wonder if they will return. Studying in the subway or on the city bus might be quieter.

Writing time! Dave is focused on helping Cherie improve her writing ability.

Dave hit the ground running, then took off flying! He is a tutor, fundraiser, donor, and he is now focused on helping us with strategy and outreach.

Am I an invisible man? They were focused, working, and studying, it seemed I wasn't there. Almost all of them said they are shy.

Eunhee studying on her before her tutor arrived. People are everywhere at TNKR, even on computer screens.

Eunhee studying with camera shy Kaina. Kaina joined us recently, but she tutors at the office even though she knows I will be taking photos.

TNKR Special Ambassador Cherie Yang studying with her coach, Hannah. This was definitely the loudest room in the entire building.

Youngmin helping out in yet another way, this time tutoring a basic level. It helps that he only uses English, despite his incredible translation skills.

Invisible no more!

Chansook is one of the few South Koreans studying in TNKR. She brings us gifts very often to share with staff and refugees in TNKR. She is always cheering us on and has also pledged to try to introduce us to South Koreans who can help us.

Super Special Ambassador Cherie Yang. She has been studying so hard during the winter break that we should charge her room and board. She always brightens up the office, so I guess we can also save money by turning off the lights when she visits!

Where would TNKR be without National Director Eunkoo Lee? Let's see... we would be behind on the rent, electricity off, unorganized with students and tutors meeting at the wrong places, as a start!

People are everywhere at TNKR, and I'm always ready to jump into the middle of the action!

TNKR Special Ambassador Ken Eom introduced two colleagues to us.

So many people hide when it is time to take a photo. But not this lady!

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In addition to all of this activity, Eunhee Lee and I also slipped out for a meeting with the mayor of Mapo. 2017-02-21 Leaving the TNKR cave to meet the Mayor of Mapo-gu (caseylartigue.blogspot.com)

"Yoegi Anjuseyo!"

* I have a short reflection in today's Korea Times about an encounter with an unfriendly looking Korean man on the subway. It was a reminder not to be too quick in judging people in Korea. 09-13-2011 16:47 'Yeogi Anjeuseyo!' By Casey Lartigue Jr. The recent incident in which an American English teacher bullied an elderly Korean man and other passengers on the bus reminded me of a more pleasing incident from years ago. I was on the subway, taking the train outside of Seoul for a work assignment. I have the habit of standing on the subway to strategically position myself near the doors in case my stop magically appears. On that particular day, there was a Korean man STARING at me. Not just looking at me, but intensely staring at me. He had an incredible frown on his face. Not just for one stop, but for several stops the guy just kept staring at me. If I had known more Korean then I would have been able to curse him ...

Michael Breen discussion at 10 Magazine

Yesterday I attended a discussion with writer Michael Breen, hosted by Barry Welsh. Very often, when I attend a speech or discussion about a topic I know a lot about, I often think about ways the speaker/facilitator/discussant could have done better. But I didn't feel that way about Breen, it was one of those times that I really felt like I had a lot to learn and should listen more than talk. He's been in Korea for three decades, working as a reporter, commentator, communications specialist. He reminds me of Andrei Lankov in that his analysis seems to be based on observation of how things work rather than trying to get the world to fit his biases. I don't know him, so his friends may say he is a raging ideologue, but that's not the impression I had yesterday and based on his writings. Michael Breen (L) and Casey Lartigue I first read his book The Koreans about a decade ago. It was a delightful read, that was both warm to Koreans but also critical at times. Yes...

Rich talking back

The rich are talked about very often in negative terms, but how often do the rich respond in kind? Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart, who inherited most of her money but apparently has also done very well with it, recently railed against class warfare and had some advice for the non-rich : "There is no monopoly on becoming a millionaire," she writes. "If you're jealous of those with more money, don't just sit there and complain. Do something to make more money yourself - spend less time drinking, or smoking and socializing and more time working." She complained about politicians raising taxes, regulations that slow investment, and other anti-business policies that harm the poor. "If you want to help the poor and our next generation, make investment, reinvenstment and businesses welcome."

Inspiration from a lousy visitor (The Korea Times, December 31, 2013) by Casey Lartigue, Jr.

2013-12-15 It was a great occasion yesterday. A group of us held a Christmas party in the cancer ward of severance hospital. So many people to mention. The man who inspired it all: Nick Adams. It was his trip to Korea last month that inspired me to organize the party. He had cancer when he was a child, and he insisted that as part of his itinerary that we stop by the hospital. I was so moved that I contacted the best party planner I have ever known. The man behind the motion: Edward M. Robinson! As I've said several times: If you are looking for someone to hold an incredible party for kids, then contact Eddie! I look forward to big things from HOPE now that he has taken an even more active role with the organization (and was smart enough to name me an International Adviser, for example). The staff members at Mulmangcho are still talking about the incredible Halloween party he hosted, and they are looking forward to the Christmas party he has planned this weekend! The lady behind t...

Humanitarian with a guillotine (Korea Times, February 1, 2013) by Casey Lartigue, Jr.

Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan said the nine most terrifying words in the English language are, `` I’m from the government, and I’m here to help .” For many well-intentioned activists, politicians, and intellectuals, that should be updated as: ``We are here to help you. You’re under arrest.” For example, ``sex workers” around the world oppose anti-prostitution laws. Prostitutes may not know the theoretical arguments but they do know in reality that prohibiting prostitution means they lack protection in dealing with abusive pimps and madams, violent patrons and crooked cops. Locally, a Korean woman busted for prostitution recently appealed to the courts pleading , ``I cannot survive without this job. I don’t want to be treated as a criminal for making a living the only way I can.” How should someone who genuinely wants to help her respond? If you say ``arrest her” then you are qualified to be a “harmful humanitarian.” In your desire to help, you have elimin...

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