Global Community

KOTESOL to host Toastmasters International workshop

By John Redmond The Korea Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (KOTESOL) will host a workshop on Toastmasters International at Sookmyung Women's University, in Seoul, on Nov. 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. The Seoul chapter of KOTESOL will host a workshop under the topic “Toastmasters ― Skill-building and Confidence in and out of the Classroom.” The workshop will be held in Room 105 Injaegwan Center of the university. KOTESOL is a professional organization for teachers of English. Their main goals are to assist members in their self-development, and improve ELT in Korea. KOTESOL allows teachers to connect with others in the ELT community and find teaching resources in Korea and abroad through its publications, conferences and symposia, and chapter meetings and workshops. Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization that has helped more than 260,000 members in 113 countries to better themselves. Members learn how to prepare and present professional speeches, how to provide immediate and constructive feedback, and how to give impromptu speeches in a fr

The beat goes on with BROKENTEETH

By Agnes Yu In a follow up to the electronic extravaganza of exciting dance beats heard last month at Club Answer during a night tinged with French overtones , another performance is in the waiting. Presented by BROKENTEETH, French Attack continues to introduce to Korea the most talented DJs and producers among the newcomers of the French electronic music scene.” The latest will be this Friday as the French electronic duo Manege 88 is flying in from their native town of Toulon to spin some tunes and shake up the dance floor. Manege 88 is a pair of devoted disciples of hip hop and rock sounds ready to spread the word of modern electric music. They will infuse theatrics with addictive rhythm to put on a distinct show unlike ever before in the club scene here in Seoul. Doors open at 9 p.m. and clubbers, be prepared for “they take you up to heights of 80 meters and make you whirl around at 100km/hr.’’ Trust BROKENTEETH to carry on the beat. For more information visit www.brokenteeth.kr or call 010-5595-1909

(336) Car navigation system (II)

(335) Car navigation system (I)

(334) Social issues, universal healthcare

(333) Insurance

St. Andrew’s Society of Seoul to host annual St. Andrews Ball

By John Redmond St. Andrew’s Society of Seoul will host the Annual St. Andrew’s Ball, on Nov. 20 at the JW Marriot Hotel. This year’s guest speaker is the U.S. Ambassador Kathleen Stephens. The Seoul St. Andrew’s Society was formed by a small number of expat Scots in 1976. Initially St. Andrew’s Ball guests were invited by the host and because there was a curfew in Seoul which lasted from midnight through 4 a.m., the guests danced till the end of the curfew. Then, dancing restarted again after breakfast and continued until about 8 a.m. The slogan for the event is: “Be Happy while you’re living, for you’re a long time dead.” Tickets are available at standrewsseoul@gmail.com and cost 200,000 won that includes a four-course meal, as much wine and whisky as you can consume, some excellent Scottish tradition and to end the evening a full breakfast at 3:30 a.m. To get ready for the Scottish dancing part of the St Andrews Ball, the St. Andrews Society of Seoul holds Scottish dancing lessons at the British Embassy, Broughton's Club, each Wednesday evening up until Nov.

Quiz night to raise funds for BBC Children in Need

By John Redmond A “Quiz Night” fundraiser for the BBC Children in Need program will be held at the British Embassy Broughton’s Bar on Friday, Nov. 19 beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a family quiz with a selection of delicious food including a superb range of international beers plus a chance to win raffle prizes. The BBC Children in Need is an annual British charity appeal organized by the BBC. Since 1980, it has raised over $900 million. The event targets raising money exclusively destined for charities working with children This year’s fundraiser is sponsored by CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets. Donations are 15, won for adults and 5,000 won for children. One of the organizers, Carla Schmitz, told The Korea Times that there will also be plenty of activities for children. Due to embassy security concerns, participants are advised to notify event organizers well in advance to secure booking. For further information please email carlalschmitz@gmail.com

Expat-run gallery holds exhibition

By Alan Green Mixed media artist Vincent Troia will present new works in “I Could Taste Your Lipstick on The Filter,” Laughing Tree Gallery’s second exhibition from Nov. 13 to 27. A recent addition to Seoul’s art scene from Detroit, Michigan, USA, Troia brings with him a unique and thoughtful vision of the world around him Ernest Becker said, “This is the problem of the artist generally: that he creates his own new meanings and must, in turn, be sustained by them. The dialogue is too inverted to be secure.” This quote is in fact the title of a piece from Troia’s 2010 show at Detroit gallery, Cave. This title is particularly apt for two reasons. First, he titles many of his works with probing, poignant and often lengthy quotes drawn from his voracious readings. Second, Troia’s mixed media constructions clearly exhibit his own process of meaning-making. In his work he repeatedly re-imagines seemingly mundane things into stark, arresting objects which evoke a sense of mystery and meditation. While Troia’s art objects are clearly beautiful and thoughtful, words fail to do them

The venue is VENUE

By Agnes Yu Any seasoned expat living in Korea can attest to the gentrification of Itaewon, the foreigner-friendly and sometimes unfriendly neighborhood in Seoul. As a result of mad modernizing, the area is now home to a plethora of places for dining, drinking, and debauchery stretching beyond either direction from the Hamilton Hotel and in the back alleys on either side of the main drag. Tucked in the basement, in a dark alley and with an even darker interior about the size of a living room is Venue. It’s new, it’s hip, it’s intimate, and there’s even dancing on the weekends if you arrive at the right time. Venue is the result of a shared idea between a half-Korean, half-Japanese girl, Ria Kanaya Kim. Her father is a third- generation Korea living in Japan, and a silent business partner who is Korean but grew up in Japan. The dimly-lit setting offers an impervious and moody atmosphere suitable for after dinner drinks or dancing while drinking, later in the evening. Assorted beer, cocktails and a limited wine list are available. The French fries, cut like extra-la