Monday, September 29, 2008

Toe Soek Choen Samgaetang - Korean, stuffed, whole-young-chicken soup

Samgaetang is a Korean chicken soup that contains a whole young chicken stuffed with sweet rice, ginseng, garlic, chestnuts, jujubes, and some other possible ingredients.

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Toe Soek Choen (토속촌) is probably the most well-known, yet unknown, samgaetang place in Seoul. It is one street north of Kyoungbuk Palace in a side alley (subway line #3--orange line--not sure which exit). Google maps doesn't get in close enough to pinpoint the location, but the map below gets you to the area. When you get there just look for the line (there is always a line).


View Larger Map

I've had samgaetang dozens of times. I've been to places that I really like (most that I don't know the names of), but Toe Soek Choen is certainly the best that I've had so far. I've even had fresh-killed chicken in a little country restaurant outside Ilsan, which was my favorite up until now. This place was better. The broth was light, but not bland. It was flavorful, but not overpowering. The Chicken fell apart, perfectly cooked. The stuffing was simply amazing.

The service was quick and efficient. No frills. Order soup, get soup fast, eat soup, pay, leave. However, all of this is in a traditional Korean house in the middle of Seoul. Not an old, small house mind you, but a large house that likely belonged to someone of significant wealth at some point. Of course, all of this is lost when you are packed into rooms, shoulder to shoulder with other samgaetang connoisseurs.

If you're in Seoul and haven't tried this yet, get there and get some. They also serve Dakdoeritang (spicy chicken stew), which I'll definitely try next time.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Handshake key to landing a job, scientists claim

Handshake key to landing a job, scientists claim

I occassionally warn/inform my students about this perception in American culture. Handshakes are certainly common in Korean society, but what is considered proper firmness (and duration) is different. Koreans apply less force and tend to engage longer than Americans. Not to mention the fact that they tend not to maintain eye contact during the handshake. Additionally, women tend not to shake hands as much as they would in America and, if they do, the pressure is nearly indiscernible.

From my anecdotal data (personal experience and interviews), the reason for this are varied:
(1) Firm handshakes imply a confidence that is seen to be more aggressive, pompous, or otherwise disrespectful. This seems to be more of a no-no when dealing with someone that should be respected such as guests (me in most cases), elders, and superiors.

(2) Duration notes endearment or a desire to communicate affection (whether real or just the impression thereof).

(3) Lack of eye contact is similar to reasons in #1. This does not mean that there is no eye contact, but it is not sustained. Even if the gaze is in the region of the eyes, it's often just off the eye (eyebrow, nose, forehead, etc.).

(4) The handshake is still largely a male-male greeting. The more "westernized" people are, the more likely they are to shake your hand (both male and female). By westernized, I really mean that they have consistent contact with foreigners (non-Koreans & non-Korean residents), including those educated in English-speaking countries.

So, how do you explain proper handshake criteria to Koreans? You don't, just demonstrate it. If you need to explain it, you might say that the grip is firm enough to squish tofu, but light enough not to damage a grape :)

In addition, make sure they understand some of the cultural understandings (though these may differ from person to person or region to region). Weak handshakes may indicate moral/physical weakness, dishonesty, lack of confidence, and other negative characteristics. Strong handshakes are the opposite: moral/physical strength, honesty, confidence, and other positive characteristics (supported by the study above). These beliefs are not always (or even ever) true, but they are ingrained into the American psyche.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Asus Adds 3G to Eee PC

Asus Adds 3G to Eee PC

I don't know if this excites me, but it's a step in the convergence. Laptops are getting smaller and better connected, while phones are becoming mini-computers. At this point, I don't know which I'd prefer if given the chance. Since, my vision is pretty good, I don't mind small, high-resolution screens. I'm getting sick of lugging around my current Toshiba M4 tablet. It seems like a monster compared to the new, lovely computers that I've been checking out in Yonsan.

I will state right now. I will NEVER buy another full-sized laptop, nor will I ever again buy a phone that I can't use like a computer. I don't know if the ones I want have even been made yet, but I'm now willing to jump in and start sampling. The Asus line-up is pretty good, but there are some other really cool minis to choose from and more coming out every day (it seems).

As for phones, there's no way I'm getting an iPhone. Why are these people willing to sell their souls for this phone? Apple is the worst of the worst when it comes to letting people play in their sandbox. Well, I like playing with other people. Some of the greatest applications come from these folks. When Apple opens the app store, I'll consider an iPhone.

Of course, Windows Mobile 6.1 is no gem either. I hear nothing but bad reviews and even with many companies putting their own shells over the system, it's not great. However, I can put any app I find nice on MY OWN PHONE! MS isn't coming in saying, "I'm sorry you can't run this because it competes with our apps" FAIL!

Android has potential, but the HTC launch was pretty pathetic. I really do like the phone basics: great keyboard, screen (better with HTC HD, though), and ideal. However, let's face it, the phone is a fail. No video, propriety headphone jack, no Exchange support, and locked into Google apps (especially locked into 1 account). Come on guys...let's get a better one out soon. I do, however, have a great feeling about the future of Android. V2.0 will likely be a buy.

I don't know if I'd feel the same way if you lived back in the states. Mobile is important here because I walk or take public transportation everywhere. In the states, I throw my bag in the car and walk 20 feet to the coffee shop/office/etc. Mobile is not as important. Right now I want to check my mail on the way to work/home so I don't have to waste time doing it when I get there. My commute is wasted time. At this point, I listen to a ton of podcasts, but I could certainly take on email in addition.

Rambling long enough. Time to sleep and dream about my future toys.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

100 Korean Foods You Gotta Try — ZenKimchi Korean Food Journal

100 Korean Foods You Gotta Try — ZenKimchi Korean Food Journal

Great list by ZenKimchi. I certainly agree that these are special foods in Korea; however, I don't agree that you've GOTTA try them :)

I'm a food lover; thus, I've tried many of these, but certainly not all. I've had intestines and stomach and I don't care to have them again no matter how it's prepared. Beef liver is another one of those foods that I stay away from. Lastly, I just can't stand myeolchi (small, whole, dried fish). Raw octopus (live or dead) tastes like rubber and the baby ones have a nasty inside. It's not so much that they have heads, I just hate the consistency.

With that said, the ones that I've tried are bolded below as per Zenkimchi's request. Some are guesses as I'm terrible with names of dishes.

1. Myeolchi Bokkeum (Stir-fried Anchovies)

2. Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

3. Bulgogi (Grilled Marinated Beef)

4. BulDalk (Burn-your-pants-off Spicy Grilled Chicken)

5. DalkBal (Spicy Chicken Feet)

6. Korean Fried Chicken

7. Dalk Galbi (Stir-fried Marinated Chicken and Veggies)

8. San Nakji, chopped (Semi-live Baby Octopus)


9. San Nakji, whole (Live Octopus)

10. Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)

11. Juk (Rice Porridge)

12. Galbi (Grilled Short Ribs)

13. Galbitang (Short Rib Soup)

14. Shinseollo (Fancy Hot Pot)

15. Gobchang Gui (Grilled Beef Intestines)

16. Seng Gan (Raw Beef Liver)

17. Galbi Jjim (Stewed Ribs)

18. Bossam (Steamed Marinated Pork with Lettuce Wraps)

19. Japchae (Clear Noodles Stir-fried with Pork and Vegetables)

20. Jaeyuk Bokkeum (Spicy Stir-fried Pork)

21. Kimchi Jjim (Stewed Kimchi with Tofu)


22. Ddong Jip (Chicken Gizzards)

23. Odeng/Eomuk (Street-side Fish Noodles)

24. Hoddeok (Stuffed Street-side Pastries)

25. GeiJang (Raw Fermented Crabs)


26. Hongeo (Fermented Skate)

27. Gochujang Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly Smothered in Red Pepper Paste)

28. Lotteria’s Shrimp Burger

29. Sae-u Kang (Shrimp Flavored “Fries”)

30. Doenjang Jjigae (Fermented Bean Paste Stew)

31. Cheonggukjang (Stinky Fermented Bean Paste Stew)

32. Boshintang (Dog Soup)


33. Seonji Haejangguk (Hangover Stew with Clotted Cow Blood)

34. Ddeokbokki (Chewy Rice Cakes in Spicy Sauce)

35. YukHui (Raw Beef Salad)

36. MiyeokGuk (Seaweed Soup)

37. Mae-eunTang (Spicy Fish Soup)

38. Nakji Bokkeum (Stir-fried Baby Octopus)

39. Ojingeo (Dried Cuttlefish)

40. Beondaeggi (Silkworm Larvae)

41. Golbaenggi (Sea Snails)

42. Jangeo Gui (Grilled Eel)

43. Jaratang (Turtle Soup)

44. Bogeo (Blowfish)

45. Sae-u Sogeum Gui (Salt Grilled Shrimp)

46. Deodeok Root

47. BindaeDdeok (Mung Bean Pancake)

48. Pajeon (Green Onion Pancake)

49. Bibimbap (Mixed Rice and Vegetables)

50. Boribap (Mixed Barley Rice and Vegetables)

51. Marinated Garlic

52. Patbingsu (Shaved Ice and Red Bean Treat)

53. Dotorimok (Acorn Jelly)

54. Naengmyeon (Chilled Noodles)

55. Makkoli/Dongdongju (Rice Beer)


56. Bokbunja (Raspberry Wine)

57. Soju (Rice Whiskey)

58. Andong Soju (Strong Rice Whiskey from the Andong Region)

59. Jogae Gui (Grilled Shellfish)

60. Haepari (Jellyfish)

61. Gyeran Jjim (Steamed Egg)

62. Corn Ice Cream

63. Dolsot Bibimbap (Mixed Rice and Vegetables in a Sizzling Stone Pot)

64. Mandu (Stuffed Dumplings)

65. Ddeokguk (Chewy Rice Cake Soup)

66. Songpyeon (Stuffed Chewy Rice Cakes)

67. Hot Bar (Fried Fish Batter Street Food)

68. Shikhye (Sweet Rice Punch)

69. Any product with Green Tea in it


70. Gujeolpan (Nine-section Dish)

71. Yogurt Soju Cocktail

72. Baechu Kimchi (Cabbage Kimchi)

73. Any Kimchi that’s over 3 years old [I HOPE NOT :( ]

74. Baek Kimchi (White Cabbage Kimchi)

75. Shake-’em-up Dosirak

76. Mul Kimchi (Water Kimchi)

77. Oi Sobagi (Stuffed Cucumber Kimchi)

78. Ggakdugi (Cubed Radish Kimchi)

79. Sae-u Jeot (Salted Tiny Shrimp)

80. Myeongran Jeot (Salted Pollack Roe)

81. Changran Jeot (Salted Pollack Guts)

82. Ssamjang (Mixed Soybean and Pepper Paste)

83. Kalguksu (Hand-cut Noodle Soup)

84. Ramyeon (Ramen Noodles) in a Tin Pot

85. Entire Hui Meal (Korean style Sashimi)

86. Gimbap (Seaweed Rice Rolls)

87. Jokbal (Pigs Feet)

88. Sundae (Blood and Noodle Sausage)

89. Yeot (Traditional Korean Candy)


90. Naengi (Shepherd’s Purse)

91. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

92. Budae Jjigae (“Army Base” Stew, traditionally including hot dogs and Spam)

93. Agu Jjim (Stewed Monkfish)

94. Haemultang (Seafood Soup)

95. Nurungji (Hot Water Mixed with Rice Scrapings in a Stone Pot)

96. Sujebi (Rustic Dumpling Soup)

97. Janchi Guksu (Thin Noodles in a Seaweed Broth with Condiments)

98. BungeoBbang (Goldfish-shaped Stuffed Pastry)

99. Raw Ginseng or anything with Ginseng in it


100. MakHui (Chilled Sashimi Soup)

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Professor Wikipedia - CollegeHumor video

Professor Wikipedia - CollegeHumor video

This is hilarious. The best part is professor Brittanica. Good stuff.

Adviser calls BlackBerry 'miracle' McCain 'helped create' - CNN.com

Adviser calls BlackBerry 'miracle' McCain 'helped create' - CNN.com

Does this mark the point when information literacy becomes a necessary trait in a leader? It always has been, you say? No, no, no. It's always been the assistant's job. It's possible that these things can no longer be solely off-loaded to staff.

I think that this is a silly article, but it does show that this is an issue on the horizon (even an attack ad).

Monday, September 15, 2008

YouTube - Nine Inch Nails - Head Like a Hole

YouTube - Nine Inch Nails - Head Like a Hole

It's hard to believe that this song is nearly 20 years old. I don't even think I discovered it for myself until a couple years later, but it certainly introduced me to a whole knew genre of music. Just love it.

Storytelling 101

Storytelling 101

Nice presentation on making good presentations. Emphasizes the need for a good story behind the presentation.

Most academics seem to think that they just need to push the information out to the audience and that these types of presentations are for business or just "non-scientists". This is certainly far from the truth. You want people to remember your presentation and, in fact, remember you (conferences are more about networking than exchanging ideas). I'm sure that you remember good speakers much better than poor ones...which do you want to be?

Storytelling 101
View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: sherlock rockstar)

Monday, September 8, 2008

If Garfield Was In Glengarry Glenross

» If Garfield Was In Glengarry Glenross

This is certainly my favorite scene from the movie and I love it coming from Garfield's mouth.

Check it out.

Here is the video version

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Brain Cells Observed Summoning a Memory - NYTimes.com

Brain Cells Observed Summoning a Memory - NYTimes.com

Yet another step on the stairway to knowledge. It's something that has been expected for a long time, but it's great to have some physiological evidence to back it up. This certainly seems to support information processing theories as well as those of situated cognition.