Hello, Everybody--nice seeing you again.
About a year ago (July 18, 2005) I wrote in Beware of the Blog about the great hero of my life, the Immortal Admiral Yi Soon-Shin, and the 100-episode Korean television series about him. Now a version of that TV show is available from DVD From Korea. I say a "version" because it's been edited down to 33 episodes in two boxed sets. I don't care—it's worth it, worth it, WORTH IT. It's worth the $90 for each box, and it's worth the $34 just to ship 'em over from Korea. I know, I don't have that kind of money either, but put 'em on your credit card-—it is WORTH IT. Supposedly the DVDs are all-region, and they are definitely English subtitled. If I could afford it, I would give these box sets to everyone I know for Christmas this year. But since I can't get them for you, I hope you will get them for yourself.
Lately I've been reading about another big hero of mine, Adriaen Van der Donck, the man who invented American democracy. I've been thinking about heroism, and how it's defined as much by circumstances as by character. If Japan hadn't attacked Korea in the 16th Century, Yi Soon-Shin would still have been born and lived and died, but he would not have been the immortal hero who was created by that war. Van der Donck, too, was shaped by the forces of history, and could just as well have been a fat and happy Calvinist preacher in Breda in the Netherlands. Any random person you see on the street today may have the heart of a hero, but just not the circumstances ever to demonstrate it.
One of the original members of ESG drives a New York City bus for a living: When you get on the bus, do you see a middle-aged Latina driver, or do you see the quintessential 20th-Century beat machine?
Thanks for reading my blog post this time, and may God bless.
ESG was fantastic at the Hook last Friday night. Yep, Marie drives a NYC bus and two of the current band are the teen daughters of 2 of the original members [Valerie, Renee and Marie who were teens in the 80's, remain in the band]. Punk funk lives.
Posted by: annon | September 22, 2006 at 11:06 PM
Here are some pix from ESG's 2002 WFMU benefit at Southpaw (Brooklyn), courtesy of Listener Justina's great photo site:
http://www.whatawaytodie.com/esg/
Posted by: mike lupica | September 23, 2006 at 10:12 AM
Whoa, I want to ride on the bus that particular Scroggins sister drives!
Posted by: Ian | September 23, 2006 at 10:13 PM
Adriaen Van der Donck is one the most ignored characters in the Dutch plan to bring an elightened society to the new world.
Posted by: Brain | September 24, 2006 at 12:28 AM
Where do you find out about ESG shows? (when you live in seattle?) I saw them at the 2002 WFMU benefit and would love to check them out again... Anyone know if they ever tour or plan on it?
Posted by: Mildred | September 25, 2006 at 01:17 PM
long time listener and supporter and first time blogger
Posted by: joke? | October 02, 2006 at 10:11 PM
soundclick.com/jokeharmonica
this is WFMU material
plus I put together a comp dedicated to DEREK BAILEY
most are free downloads
Main page: http://www.soundclick.com/notabandthisisacompalbuminspiredbyderekbailey
everytime I send this sation something it feels like sticking a toothpick inside of a volcano
e-mail me at [email protected]
Posted by: joke? | October 02, 2006 at 10:23 PM
I get really excited as I see more and more people learn about these KHDs, (Korean Historical Dramas) I think they are just amazing in that they teach all of the important lessons in life. IYSS was great because it really showed the people and politics and principles of other nations is no different than our own. Emporer of the Sea was also
great, Dae Jang Geum was awesome. I really hope more and more people will take notice of these shows, watch them patiently to learn to relate to the actors as people and not think them "cheesy".
I think there is much to learn from them, and they really are great entertainment. My yound son and older daughter love them too. Check out the others if you can as well.
Posted by: carol a van vlack | October 08, 2006 at 07:11 PM
Does anyone read this thing
The Avant Garde of Sussex County ?Label?
is an unorganized structured and unstructured art/anti music label in North West NJ. We aren't bent about being a musician artist or anything equally as stupid.
Posted by: Joke? | February 26, 2007 at 03:15 PM
I am watching the 33 episode version of the IYSS story. I agree with Carol and others that the series is wonderful. But 100 original episodes? Does anyone have a clue if the original shows will ever be available?
Posted by: Doug | September 06, 2007 at 03:01 PM