5 Reasons Why Every Guy Should Learn To Cook.
Posted on | May 29, 2009 | No Comments
I’ve only been proactively learning how to cook as of this year. I’ve cooked in the past but it’s only this year that I’ve taken it up with a fervor and really experimented with ingredients and dishes of all types. Read more
An Open Letter To Women (and Men) On Courtesy and Dating.
Posted on | May 5, 2009 | 3 Comments
The following is an email letter I wrote to a girl who didn’t have the courage to say ‘no’ to me when I asked her for a follow-up date. It’s self-explanatory. I publish this because I would hope it gives food for thought for both men and women in how you treat others. Not just in dating, but in life.
My real message is in the last four paragraphs where I talk about how our interactions with others are the most important experiences in our lives and how it shapes us going forward, especially in love and romance.
“When faced with making a tough decision, that is actually the Universe giving you an opportunity to prove your character.” ~Dean
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Dear Sharon-
It took me awhile to figure this out but now I know why I was so bothered by something on your part. Let me explain;
It just bothered me that I would follow up twice with you to get together (for us to meet on a Friday only and then for a Sunday). And you would say you’d get back to me upon checking your schedule. And then on both times, you never got back to me and I was left with a wasted weekend. Obviously, you never had any interests in going out again. And that’s fine. Read more
A Toast To My 31st.
Posted on | April 15, 2009 | 1 Comment
Last night at my birthday dinner, I performed a simple exercise to show appreciation for a cast of characters that I call friends. Most birthday parties are usually about making the birthday person the center of attention. I wanted to do the opposite and for a few minutes, make each person the center of attention instead. But more importantly, I wanted to get a point across. Read more
How Jews and Koreans Are Alike And What They Can Teach You To Survive In This Economy.
Posted on | April 12, 2009 | 6 Comments
[Warning: I take some of my political correctness off in this entry. So please, no hate mail. Oh wait, I was never politically correct to begin with!]
I have always joked that Koreans were the Asian versions of Jewish people. They share very similar characteristics that helps me draw this comparison.
Of all the ethnicities and cultures that have come to this country and thrived, I would say that Koreans and Jews are two cultures that are at the top of the list. Jewish people have done very well in this country and are well represented in many aspects of private and public sectors. The same goes for Koreans. I would say that they, more than any other Asian Culture, have succeeded in penetrating mainstream America. They are relatively well represented.
And now, we can learn from them and apply similar traits to succeed as well especially during such tough economic times. I can name two traits that come to mind.
First, Jews and Koreans are known for being notoriously cheap er frugal. When I delivered pizza as a part time job back in college, my fellow pizza drivers would always joke that we knew we were not going to get a good tip if the last name on the pizza box was a Lee or a Goldberg. I can still remember the remarks, “Damn Dean. 30 dollar order and you’re lucky if you get $2 from Mr. Park.” Most times, but not all, they were right. Ah, those were the days. We thanked the Pizza Gods that we only had to deliver to a Kim or a Feinstein a couple times a night.
But you know what? In this economy, you need to save your money as much as possible. So stop spending so much on needless things that won’t get you anywhere. Learn to prioritize and realize that that jacket from Neimen Marcus isn’t going to help you survive in this economy. Be financially disciplined. Know your priorities. Mr. Oh sure does.
Second, the other trait that has helped Jews and Koreans (or Joreans or Kews) get ahead in society is their ability to support each other. There has been a double-edged perception to them though. Some of us see both cultures as preferring to being to their own kind and being rather reclusive. While others have simply seen them as supporting their own kind. I suppose the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Regardless, of how you see it, they have built a robust community where they support their own. Remember the Virginia Tech rampage shooting from a couple of years ago? The killer was a Korean. I thought it was so weird that the entire Korean community came out united and were so apologetic for one of their own having committed such a heinous act. They really didn’t have to considering it was not their fault. But I thought that was very touching they would accept some personal responsibility during that time.
In some regards, you can say that these two cultures truly understand successful networking principles. They understand they it takes a village to raise a child. They are there in support of each other. By supporting their own, they have created a viable and sustainable ecosystem that helps them gain a competitive advantage in this country.
Are you there for your own? In this economy, you need to understand effective networking principles. It’s not just about furthering your endeavors, but also learning to support your network’s endeavors. Remember- If it’s win/win then we’re all in (Deanism). You need to give to get. What can you do to support your network? How can all of us support each other through tough these economic times? We need to understand that united we stand, divided we fall. We are not an island unto ourselves. This is the networked economy.
Hey, say what you want of both cultures, but they’ve done very well for themselves in this melting pot that we call the U.S.A. Learning to be more financially disciplined and developing powerful relationship building skills that are supportive of each other are timeless traits that any person should learn.
Now if you excuse me, writing this entry has caused me to develop a craving for some bulgogi.
My 31st
Posted on | March 30, 2009 | 14 Comments
I’m turning 31 on Wednesday, April 1st. Instead of the typical birthday wishes that I get via email or Facebook wall, I’m asking for something different this time around. If you know me well enough, then I only ask that you say something that you actually like or respect about me in the comments section below.
I know that comes off rather narcissistic, and it’s not meant to be. I figure a nice compilation of comments from my friends and my peers is always a good pick-me-up. It’s always nice to be acknowledged and validated. Besides, I intend to aggregate all the comments as part of a flash animation that I’ll be using for the new personal website I’ll be developing. And of course, if you can’t comment, then just get me a nice gift card from either The Gap or Banana Republic and I’ll be happy as well 
I did alot for 30. I grew alot as well. I met some wonderful people at 30. I think 30 may have been my best year yet. Seriously. But I also know there is alot that I haven’t accomplished yet. Some of the things that I did for 30 will help to set a foundation for all the things I hope to accomplish at 31 now. Here’s to my best year yet.
The Art of Conversation is Dying.
Posted on | March 2, 2009 | 1 Comment
I just had a friend chat with me over Google chat. He said he hadn’t heard from me in a while and wanted to check in by asking a few simple questions. I said there is something called a phone. Why instant message me when you can simply call, I said. To which he replies, “True. The art of conversation is lost.” Not completely lost, but definitely dying.
I have noticed this art dying since being exposed and working on the web for the past several years. People today, especially the younger generation, don’t know what it’s like to actually have a conversation and enjoy it. Why call when you can just sign my Facebook wall. Why have drinks with me when you can just instant message me. Why ask a girl out over the phone when you can just text message her. Conversely, why dump a guy over phone or email when you can break his heart over text. Why get a bunch of friends together for brunch and talk about what’s new when you can just update your Facebook status. Why tell someone you don’t want to be friends when you can be a coward and just defriend them via Facebook. Why email me when you can just tweet me in 140 characters or less. Hell, why bother at all. Read more
Yes Guys, Women Do Notice Your Style
Posted on | February 15, 2009 | No Comments
I recall a story on the local news that interviewed women as to whether they cared to be with a guy who could dress. The resounding answer from most of the women was a yes. I guess that was no surprise. Although, it’s still quite surprising as to how many guys really have no sense of style or don’t know proper grooming.
We can’t change our physical appearances too much. But we can change how we dress and groom. I’m always out and about in various social settings and I’m astounded as to how some guys cannot dress themselves. Sometimes it is a business function. Sometimes, it’s a happy hour. Sometimes, it’s a party. There’s the guy who has a dress shirt one size too big. There’s the man who is wearing flip-flops to a singles party event. Or what about the man whose color coordination between his dress shirt and pants is completely off. And then they wonder why they’re still single. Wonders never cease. Read more
The Amazing Project.
Posted on | February 8, 2009 | 1 Comment
I was thinking of last night’s Amazing Dinner initiative. I didn’t expect everyone to be so charged up and excited about the event afterwards. People were genuinely excited to be in attendance, meet a lot of cool entrepreneurs and make productive business connections all at the same time. My job was done.
When I came up with the concept, I wondered as to what I should call it. Do I call it something generic like The Entrepreneur’s Dinner? Or do I just call it a get together and keep it low-key with the hype? But no, I had to get creative, create a logo, and start branding it already. So I picked, The Amazing Dinner.
But then, nervousness and trepidation started to creep in. This always happens to me whenever I organize something new that I hadn’t done before. I’ve been hosting and organizing social and professional events for years now. Nervousness and concern always starts to creep in till this very day. Read more
Giving away free web design services. Barter.
Posted on | February 6, 2009 | 1 Comment
As many of you know, I run a web design studio and consultancy. I am hoping that there is someone in your network that might be interested in this. The market is tight and the offer below is a possible win/win for the right business.
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The Offer
I run my own design studio and I’m looking for a type of barter exchange. I’m willing give away free hours or web design and maintenance work for a business or at a deep discounted rate (50% off). It ultimately depends on the work that needs to be done. See below for my skillsets. Read more
Picking Up Where We Left Off
Posted on | January 26, 2009 | No Comments
What is it. What is that feeling, that sense, that after years of being away, we can pick up where we last left off. The conversation continues where we once were in our lives. And while years have passed since we last laid eyes on each other, some things have changed and yet others remain the same.
Is it that connection that contributes to our meaningful conversations? Or is it our conversations that contribute to our meaningful connection?
What was once thought to be lost has been found again. We pick up where we last left off. Every pause, every word and every meaning matters as much today as it did in years past.
Time has afforded us the wisdom that we once lacked. And it is time that has helped understand where we are now.
That passion for meaning is renewed again in our conversations. And our purpose is strengthened.
What was once lost in darkness is now shined upon again. A new discovery awaits.
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