It’s July 4th Around the World, too

Happy Independence Day! I spent it hiding from unbelievable heat, and then attempting to lose some weight so I can look good in my bikini for the summer by going to the gym. Man, am I out of shape! By the time I walked the two blocks there I was panting and out of breath, and by the time I bent down to tie my shoelaces I was sure my heart was going to stop. After 10 minutes on the treadmil and I was sure I saw a white tunnel ahead, beckoning me to the afterlife. All this for a measly 41 calories (there MUST be something wrong with that shitty treadmill).

Anyway, it was a less than ideal way to spend Independence Day, but it sure beats the July 4th that many people around the world are experiencing. Barbara Demick of the Los Angeles Times has a fantastic two-part article on what life is like in North Korea, culled together from interviews with defectors. Mike often says that he really wants to go see North Korea, just to experience what it’s like. There are a couple of video clips on the page that show just that. The article is fascinating; did you know that the national flower of North Korea is something called the kimjongilia? That’s so funny it has to be real.

Somewhat related to the Live 8 concerts that you in the States undoubtedly watched and I unfortunately missed is the James Traub article in last week’s New York Times Magazine on the Congo. It’s frightening to see how such a huge country can be held together with scissors and Scotch tape (not even duct tape). Basically, some parts of the world are fucked beyond belief.

In other fourth of July news, my co-worker Jamie was working on convincing a girl he knows that the question “Do you have a big cock” means “Do you think it’s really hot.” She was meeting with some dude for work and wanted to use some English on him. Jamie, that’s just so wrong on so many levels, but so right on the good ones.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOE YANG OF SAN FRANCISCO! ERIC HU OF SHANGHAI WISHES YOU THE BEST!