Norway Decriminalizes All Illegal Drugs

Seems to be the logical, economical, and humane approach to drug addiction. Makes much more sense than locking people up and depriving them of means to earn a living. Hard to get a job, even without a conviction record.

High Times: Norway’s Parliament Votes To Decriminalize All Illegal Drugs

No Dark Matter and Dark Energy?

That would make more sense. 

PhysOrg: Doing without dark energy: Alternative explanation for cosmic acceleration

Munwha Broadcasting Company - Secrets Revealed

MBC TV is showing a documentary on how the Korean intelligence agency took over MBC by firing a lot of people that they said were "leftists" and promoting people that obeyed orders.. Then they used MBC for propaganda.

The MBC president was fired and a new president was appointed last week. He was one of the producers who were fired 5 years ago. More GOOD changes to come!


Rapid TV News: Striking producer elevated to Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation president

Consciousness Creates Reality?

Doubt it, but it does surely affect reality.

Maybe taking information from the electrons in the double slit experiment causes it to lose just enough energy to cause it to become a particle.



And did you know that anything traveling at the speed of light experiences no time, and is mostly likely two dimensional (according to today's knowledge of dimensions)? Speed makes things flatter until at the speed of light, flatness approaches infinity.

Are The Quantum Effects Shown In The Double Slit Experiment Evidence Of An Unseen Dimension?

Detective Finds Mother's Murderer After 13 Years

Last month, a woman was mugged by a man. Police looked at CCTV footage and found the cigarette the man had smoked. They ran the DNA on the butt, and found it matched the DNA of a murderer of a woman 13 years ago. They arrested the man and he is under arrest.One of the detectives on the case was told to go on vacation just before the arrest. Top brass wanted to eliminate any chances of an unfortunate incident during the arrest. The detective was the son of the murdered woman. He was ibn high school when he lost his mother and then became a policeman.

Serendipity.

There are only articles in Korean, none in English.

Hankook Ilbo: 13년 전 어머니 살해범, 형사 된 아들이 잡았다

Raising Korean Corporate Tax From 22% To 25%, Reaction?

Corporate tax will be 25% for those earning more than $300 million a year. It was much higher, then they reduced it to 22% to stimulate growth and jobs almost a decade ago. Guess what happened? You betcha. Little growth, no jobs. Who knows, lowering taxes may work sometimes, but in most cases, it did little good.

String Theory and 11 Dimensions

In String Theory, there are 11 dimensions. What could the 11 dimensions be?

Space, Time, Energy, Mass, Gravity, Information, Intelligence, Life, Electromagnetism, Gluons?

Big Bang Make Any Sense?

They say nothing travels faster than light, then they say except for the big bang (inflation theory).
Everything in the universe crammed into a Planck length? They said that nothing escapes from black holes, excluding radiation.

If there is nothing at the edges of the universe, then wouldn't the universe expand naturally? Where did all the matter come from, or where is it emerging from?

Maybe there is no such thing as "nothing"? Maybe there is always something in space. Even if it was nothing, that would be something in the context of a filled space.

Bit and zeros add up to software. Maybe bits and zeros in space add up to energy, which equals matter, which equals intelligence or knowledge?

A theory with no beginning and no end would be good.







Is consciousness a type of energy or force?

And more things to think about...







Exciting times.

No Dark Matter and Dark Energy?

Science Daily: Dark matter and dark energy: Do they really exist?

Makes sense.

If time was forever and intelligence exists, most likely true, then intelligence should have evolved to where it could exist forever, even through supernovas and the like. Maybe we are a minuscule part of that intelligence. Then again, maybe intelligence is like time. an emergent phenomenon.

Is Land Ownership Democratic?

Maybe the native American Indians had it right?

Pretty sure what Jesus would have done.

Experiments Prove Consciousness Affects Matter

From a distance, no less!

Seems like we are entering a new era of physics and consciousness.

Gravity Is An Emergent Phenomenon

Heard that today in a video of a lecture by Erik Verlinde, a Dutch theoretical physicist on Scientific American

Everything comes from information. 

Big Bang Theory

If there was a big bang, then maybe there were some things came out other than energy and matter. Something for information, good, and life force. How much do we not see, or know? 90%? 99%?

Energy + Matter = Life. Seems very unlikely.

According to a recent theory, there is no dark matter. It seems if you interpret the data from a different perspective, there is no need for dark matter.

Korean TV news now just say a person was arrested for "Devil Drugs". They don't say what kind of drugs. In Korean, illegal drugs are called 마약 (마  meaning devil or evil, and 약 meaning drugs). Reminds me of the 70s. Rounding up long haired people and giving them haircuts. Other worse things.

Hope I live as long as these two.

Korean Freedom Of Press?

The previous governments of Lee, Myung-bak and Park, Kuen-hye, in my opinion, installed their choice of presidents at many TV broadcasting companies. They also controlled most print news.

The prosecutor is investigating MBC TV's president for violation of labor laws (suppressing labor unions and firing union workers illegally. He did not show up for question several times, so they issued an arrest warrant. He showed up for question yesterday "voluntarily".

Because of this, the conservative party is protesting that President Moon Jae-in's administration is trying to control and influence the media. Where were they when everybody was complaining about ex-Presidents Lee, Myung-bak and Park, Kuen-hye controlling the media? Where were they when everyone complained that Presidents Lee and Park used the national intelligence agency for political purposes? If I remember correctly, they denied those allegations and called all the accusers communists and leftists.

The press is giving major coverage to the conservative party's protest and making it seem like a legitimate and major issue. What a joke! Sadly a lot of mostly old people believe what they hear on the news. Seems almost like PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) from the war and dictatorships. 

Samsung pays for over 25% of media advertising. If you add in Hyundai, Lotte, SK and others, it could be well over 60%.

Samsung's Lee Jae-yong received a 5 year sentence. Did you know a starving person who stole food got 5 years in Korea?

Will The Korean Court Rule Samsung's Lee Jae-yong Guilty Of Bribery?

If they rule not guilty on a technicality, then the whole world will know something is fishy. They ruled not guilty for his father a few times, I think.

Prosecutors asked for a 12 year sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for August 25.

Most Important Thing In Life?

Staying on God's good side. ^^

How to spend thought wisely? Stop talking orally? Having good thoughts?

Thought = Think +Time? Remember that Time = Space. What is Will?

Never Thought I Would See The Day

From 2009 to late 2012, the Korean intelligence agencies took to SNS to influence public opinion and the elections against the opposition party. A couple of weeks ago, the present government found evidence of this and managed to restore deliberately deleted tapes of a former intelligence chief. There were over 30 task groups set up to spread favorable posts for Park Keun-hye and negative posts against the opposition. It seems that this all started with the Lee Myung-bak administration. There is only 5 months left on the statute of limitations for Lee Myung-bak on this one. Tough break!

The Guardian: S. Korea spy agency admits trying to rig 2012 presidential election 
Korea Times: Ex-president may face probe over spy agency's election meddling

If a conservative party president was in office, this would not have been possible. It would have been covered up.

A prosecutor tried to investigate in 2012 and was pressured out of office. He is a chief prosecutor now. 

A few days before the Presidential elections in 2012, the police said there was no evidence of such activities on SNS by the intelligence agency. No one has been arrested for obstruction of justice and spreading false information, so far. 

Kim Moo-sung, a conservative party member, also spread false rumors about President Noh Moo-hyun and North Korea right before the elections in 2012 in order to discredit Moon Jae-in who was close to President Noh. He was found not guilty, somehow. They lock up people for doing that nowadays. Seems very unfair. 

If you were corrupt, rich, powerful, could beat up employees, break laws, get pardoned, steal, lie and cheat, then would you want Korea to change? Why don't more Koreans see this? It almost seems as if some are permanently brainwashed. 

I receive emails from old people supporting the conservative groups and spreading hate against President Moon Jae-in, stating that he is a commie and a disgrace. If it is not Korean intelligence doing this now, who is it?

Korea finally signed three agreements with the International Labor Organization last month. Before the corrupt rich used the government to crack down on labor unions and make it illegal to have retired employees in the unions. Then they broke up several unions that had retired employees as members. The new agreements prevent the government from doing this. 

Things seem to be much better now. They restored the corporate tax to 25%, but only for the very top conglomerates and raised the income tax for the very wealthy from 40% to 42%. The conservatives cried bloody murder and warned that this would lead to tax increases for everyone. Can you believe that probably close to 15% of Koreans believe this stuff? In the past, the majority believed. Imagine how I felt!

Different States Of Consciousness

Alert, chronic fatigue, tired, stoned, sleepy, angry, afraid, content, and more.

Have a feeling that people's states of consciousness vary vastly.

Maybe it is just conscious, dream states, and unconscious. The rest seems to be just hormonal states of feeling and emotion. Hmm... Education, thought, reflection, also affect the consciousness. One huge conglomerate of continuous thought.

God Exists In Virtual Reality?

If God exists in many minds, then God exists in virtual reality. Does that make God an entity? Yes, but not the entity people are expecting? Maybe it is time for people to start changing their expectations.

Information + Matter + Energy = Life

That's what many scientists are pondering. Read about the latest thoughts on the origin of life.

YHouse : On Matter and Information - The Origin of Recipes

This article made sense and satisfied my curiosity a little bit. But now I wonder, who drew the information on matter to make RNA?



I agree with the title of the next video and most of what Alan Watts says.

Alcohol Causes Brain Damage, Marijuana Does Not

Alcohol kills brain cells. We knew that for decades, if not centuries. Now, there are studies!

High Times: Alcohol, Not Weed, Manipulates Brain Structure

If marijuana is the only cure for pain and illness for some patients, it should be legal, right? Morgan Freedman agrees. 

High Times: Morgan Freedman Pushes For Full Marijuana Legalization

Feel good music.

Reflections on Korea's Stance on Marijuana

Guess Korea's stance on marijuana has changed slightly. Haven't seen those anti-drug public messages and they do mention that other countries have legalized marijuana. And many people get off with a year or two of probation.

Canada, Uruguay, and Other Countries Violate International Drug Treaties

More and more nations are violating three international treaties on drugs in order to legalize marijuana and more are expected to follow suit.

High Times: How Canada and Uruguay Are Challenging International Pot Laws 

Another Korean pop singer and some more old actors were arrested for smoking pot in Korea last week which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. Bummer!

Research Shows THC Slows Alzheimer's Disease

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can slow the production of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain which are said to cause Alzheimer’s disease. It's a miracle drug. Seems to cure almost everything.

In the Bible, there is something about God giving humans herbs to consume. Someone made that herb illegal. Hope that someone faces God to try and explain. ^^

The above news was brought to you by High Times Magazine, recently bought out by wealthy investors.

High Times: Positive Effects of Medical Marijuana on Alzheimer’s Prevention





Still alive and rocking! Congratulations.

Seems Like Korean Media Is Always Worried About Companies

President Moon ordered a review of the Four Rivers Water Works Projects that were carried out during the Lee Myung-bak administration, where construction companies (Samsung, SK, Hyundai, and other business conglomerates) colluded in bids to fix prices and were convicted. They were banned from participating in future public projects, but were pardoned by the Park Keun-hye administration. Tens or hundreds of billions of dollars wasted in shoddy and questionable projects. A lot of Koreans want this investigated again. President Moon ordered a review and if there is any evidence of illegalities, then they will be investigated.

Korean media's spin? Construction companies are facing a hard time due to the economy and these investigations could hurt them. They usually add that this would be disastrous for the economy, but this was left out this time.

President Moon ordered a stop to construction of coal fired electrical generation plants. Korea media's spin? You got it! Most of the major construction companies depend on construction of these plants and if construction is stopped, most of them would lose money.

Anyway, you get the idea. I know these types of articles are normal, but when most of the media puts out lots of articles with similar spin, that is abnormal.

Korean Media vs American Media

President Trump pushed for job creation, and the media discussed the topic.

President Moon pushed for job creation, and some of the Korean media report on business fearing repercussions from this type of policy.

There are a few favorable articles, like this one.

Korea Herald: Policy advisory panel calls for greater competition to create more jobs

However, most are somewhat negative in tone, asking if it will be possible to create jobs that way and encouraging negative feelings. Most of these articles are in Korean like the ones below.

Asia Times: 새 정부의 ‘비정규직 제로’ 정책… 증권업계도 가능할까
Sisa Journal: 유통업계 꺼내든 일자리 카드…‘질(質)’도 좋을까

The majority of Koreans seem to believe the media. However, growing numbers are becoming very skeptical.

Cary Grant Used LSD 100 Times For Therapy

He used it when it was legal in the early sixties. He visited Dr Mortimer Hartman at the Psychiatric Institute of Beverly Hills weekly for therapy because he was having a difficult time adjusting to fame. Cary Grant said that LSD cured him and helped him find his goal. Now, there is a movie out about this.

Guardian: Cary Grant: how 100 acid trips in Tinseltown 'changed my life' 

Vermont Gov To Veto Recreational Marijuana

Sign of the times.

Vermont would have become the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana. And would have been the the first to legalize it through legislation rather than public voting. 

NBC News: Vermont Governor Plans to Veto Bill That Would Legalize Marijuana

Adultery

Used to be a crime in Korea. Several years ago, the courts ruled that it was not a crime, and was a moral issue, if I remember correctly.

While cheating is sort of different from adultery, gives me an excuse to introduce -

Good Words For Former President Noh Moo-yun

Yesterday, President Moon Jae-in attended held memorial services for former Korean President Noh Moo-hyun. They sang songs the public wanted to sing and said good things about the former president.

Call me paranoid, but it almost seemed as if there were organized campaigns to smear former President Noh Moo-hyun almost a decade now.

Yesterday was the first day former President Park Keun-hye attended her court trial.

You Are Illegal!

Did you know that?

In 1990, Miles Herkenham of the National Institute of Mental Health, discovered that the human body had its own internal cannabinoid receptor system. The human body produces cannabinoids, like THC.

If THC is illegal, then cannabinoids could also be illegal because they do what THC does. They have the same effects.

29 US states have legal medical marijuana, several countries have legal recreational marijuana, must be thousands of patents being registered, billions of dollars being taxed and still not even one pro-marijuana article in Korea.

Corporations push sugar, trans fat, salt, preservatives, chemicals, and other things that people do not need, like cars, automatic weapons. These really kill and make people sick.

The following quote from Dr. Sanjay Gupta is from an article in Cannabis Now - Cannabis: It’s Getting Better All the Time on how much times have changed since the old days when people were locked up for marijuana.

“We have been terribly and systematically misled for nearly 70 years in the United States, and I apologize for my own role in that.” - Dr. Sanjay Gupta

Recordings and Presidents

Recordings of conversations played a part in the impeachments of President Nixon (resigned), President Keun-hye Park, and in the probable impeachment of Brazilian President Temer.

Wondering if there are recordings of President Trump regarding the dismissal of FBI Director Comey, among other goodies.

Meanwhile in Korea, it seems like the rich may be taxed fairly eventually. Good news! But not for the rich. hehe

How To Convince The Politically Radical?

This article in Scientific American outlines how to approach and present facts to people who believe in false things.

If Korean politicians knew how to do this, then only the ones that presented the facts clearly would be popular. Guess the same is true all over the world.

Scientific American: Sometimes, Facts Can Actually Trump Ideology - It's hard to get people to look past their ideological blinkers, but behavioral science research shows it's not impossible.

I remember another article in Scientific American. It was about how to persuade people with serious cognitive dissonance. They both state similar methods, but from different perspectives.

Korean Prosecutors Received Envelopes Filled With Money

Korean prosecutors received money from a superior from the Justice Ministry just after they closed a case. At first, they said it was a "normal" customary practice. No shame! Now, officials are offering to resign over the incident. Resign? They should be jailed, IMHO. The official who handed out money (from $800-900 each to over 6-7 people) was one of those investigated in the case that was closed by the prosecutors without anyone being indicted.

It is still a struggle in Korea. TV and media is still mostly titled towards the goals of the powerful and rich.

President Moon is trying to get justice for any serious crimes committed by the last administration. He was the one who ordered the investigation into use of government funds for investigation that was misused to entertain prosecutors with food, drink and money.

For details on this scandal, please read the following article;

Yonhap News: Senior prosecutor, ministry official offer to resign after Moon's inspection order 

Detaching Ourselves From Personal Perspective Leads To Better Morality

That's what I said, sort of. So did Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed and others.

Now the scientific community is saying the same thing.

The following excerpt is from a review in the New York Times on Steven Pinker’s “Better Angels of Our Nature”. A book that promptly reached the best seller list after Bill Gates recommended it.

"Pinker argues that enhanced powers of reasoning give us the ability to detach ourselves from our immediate experience and from our personal or parochial perspective, and frame our ideas in more abstract, universal terms. This in turn leads to better moral commitments, including avoiding violence."

NY Times: Is Violence History?

Conscious and Unconscious Minds

It appears that both the conscious and unconscious mind are both at work in our brains. The unconscious mind is always working in the background automatically guiding our decisions and perception in many cases.

BBC: Why It Feels Weird To Step On A Stopped Escalator

The following was the number one song in the the US in 1969, beating out songs by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jackson 5, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, and Stevie Wonder. I remember liking the song. Must be getting really old.

Michael Jackson in 1969.

Brain Functions

The brain has different areas for different functions, and some neurons are huge and extend through the body.

It also seems like there are many brain states, for dreams, deep thought, and so on.

I think there are two types of operating modes or more for the brain. One is the action mode where thought is directed towards physical action, and simple "two-dimensional" decisions. The other is thought directed towards reflection, silence, in many cases with eyes closed, deep concentration, solving very complex problems with seemingly no solutions, and such.

It seems these two types develop sort of independently in adulthood. If one talks too much, and spends time only doing things, then that "action" brain function develops.

If one spends a lot of time in deep thought, that "thinking" brain function develops and "worthwhile" knowledge accumulates.

Seems like a lot of people spend their lifetimes acting out their lives, rather than thinking before they act. The barrier seems to be thoughts about death, purpose in life, running out of money and such. These thoughts are a headache and people want to avoid thinking about these in depth. It is hard and takes decades to get over hangups and complexes about these matters. Once one gets over their hangups about death, purpose, material wealth, and some other things, then thinking becomes very enjoyable and beneficial. Some never get past their hangups.

That's just my thinking. What's yours?

Life After The Park Keun-hye Administration

It's only been a few days since President Moon took office, but already the atmosphere is different. The winds have suddenly shifted, on TV, in the news, in government policies, in people's attitudes. Small changes, but still you can tell.

"No Big Bang" Theory

It is hard for me to believe that the universe started with a big bang, and it seems there are some people who agree. There are other theories.

Cosmic background radiation doesn't have to be from a big bang. It could be something else. Looking through 14 billion years of space might create a "haze" of radiation. 

Or, the distance of over 14 billion light years would prevent light from further away from reaching us. The expansion of the universe over great distances of tens of billions of light years is faster than the speed of light. So we may see only haze from the furthest light we can see. 

It only makes sense that time has been forever with no start and no end. Makes sense?

Found this following article which explains that the big bang theory is pseudoscience because there is no way to test it. Like the multiverse theories. The truth will come.

Scientific American: Is a Popular Theory of Cosmic Creation Pseudoscience?

New Jersey Looks Certain To Legalize Recreational Pot In 2018

It seems there have been over a 230% increase in opiate deaths in New Jersey in the past couple of years. Pharmaceutical companies and doctors can make money off of opiates. We knew for decades, but still couldn't do anything about it. Thank goodness time changes.

New Jersey : Forget decriminalization. Time to legalize weed | Editorial 

Seems like people in New Jersey will certainly get legal recreational pot soon.

What will society look like in the future? Probably more like what this guy in the following video says. It seems headed that way.

Happy poor and miserable rich

That's what I thought privately. Then I read this following article.

BBC: How rich are you really? 

In the article, they talk about wealth and happiness. They say the rich are used to finding happiness in showing off their wealth, while the poor find happiness in many other ways independent of wealth.

The rich are usually surrounded by those interested primarily in money. They also tend to order people around and get pissed at people. They also usually think they are smarter and so on. Not fun people to be with. Can rich people be humble?

Did God instill thoughts about being humble for nothing?

Which brings me back to my favorite song.

Vermont lawmakers approve legal recreational marijuana

Vermont's House of Representatives approved a measure to legalize recreational use of marijuana which would take effect from July 2018.

Massachusetts and Maine also approved possession and cultivation of marijuana for personal use by adults 21 years of age or older from July 2018.

High Times: Vermont lawmakers approve legal recreational marijuana

Nobel Prize Winners, Billionaire CEOs, and Other Genius Potheads

The following are just a few of the "stoners" who spoke against marijuana prohibition. Do you really want to lock up people who smoke or ingest weed? Do these people seem like they are criminals? Lack motivation? Would steal to get drugs? Gimme a break!

Stephen Ray Gould was a paleontologist, evolutionary biologist and historian of science

Bill Gates founded Microsoft along with fellow stoner Paul Allen and voted for legalization in Washington

Kary Mullis received a Nobel Laureate in chemistry for his DNA research on the polymerase chain reaction in 1993

Steve Jobs smoked weed in his early days, and also did other drugs, including LSD.

Margaret Mead was a cultural anthropologist and activist who helped spark the feminist and sexual revolution movements in the United States.

Carl Sagan, the well  known scholar on extraterrestrial life and author. For more information on Carl Sagan and his view on marijuana, see our previous article “Carl Sagan and Pot.”

Richard Feynman was a theoretical physicist and received the joint Nobel Prize in 1965. He openly used drugs in the 50s and 60s.

Francis Crick discovered the structure of the DNA molecule in 1953 and jointly received the Nobel Prize in 1962 along with James Watson.

Bill Gates and Warren Buffet started the Giving Pledge in 2010. Paul Allen also joined in the pledge. I wonder how many Korean billionaires have joined the Giving Pledge. Maybe zero? Probably zero? Most likely zero? Their sons are in charge of their companies and stuff. I dun think they are giving their money away. More like trying to build dynasties and shit.

I hope the future holds better things for Korea's "paper economy" (as in "paper tigers").

Marijuana Reverses Aging In Brain

In brains of mouses! Hopefully, it is the same for humans.

Professor Andreas Zimmer from the Institute of Molecular Psychiatry at the University of Bonn reported, "The treatment completely reversed the loss of performance in the old animals.", and "When the activity of the cannabinoid system declines, we find rapid ageing in the brain.".

Wow!!! If it turns out to be the same for humans, eating pot is gonna be really popular.

Science Digest: Cannabis reverses aging processes in the brain, study suggests

US Judge's Plea For Medical Marijuana - May 2012

The late Gustin L. Reichbach was a justice of the State Supreme Court in Brooklyn, who had been undergoing medical therapy for pancreatic cancer. He wrote the following article pleading that marijuana be legalized for medical purposes, because marijuana relieved pain, help him eat and sleep. When you cannot eat or sleep because of pain and nausea, and the only recourse for relief is marijuana, what do you do? The judge's friends despite all the legal risk, gave him some. And the hospital looked the other way when the judge toked away his last days.

NY Times: A Judge’s Plea for Pot

Marijuana Business Daily : Most Common Medical Conditions of Registered MMJ Patients

There have been an large increase in the number of new publications and organizations related to marijuana in the past year.

AI, Google, , George Soros (empathized medical marijuana as a path to legalization), Gates, Buffet, Tesla, Amazon, Branson, Marijuana.

Seems like the dawn of a new Golden Age. Sure, there are a lot of problems, but ...

17 More States Seek Legal Recreational Marijuana

Eight states in the USA have already legalized recreational marijuana, and 17 more states have introduced legislation for legal recreational marijuana. Some predict all states will have legal recreational marijuana by 2021. 

Nice! Thought I'd be dead long before pot was legalized in the US. 

I might still be alive when they legalize it in Korea. I'd probably have to live a lot longer.

Details can be found at LA Times: Lawmakers Working to Legalize Pot in 17 States

Western Undercover In Korea

Answered a request for help in CL. Pretty certain I ran into an undercover someone. Tried to get me to talk about pot, and offer pot to him. I asked why he was trying to elicit certain answers from me, and he suddenly had reasons for leaving quickly. Said he was busy.

Probably decided I was sincerely interested in helping foreigners adjust to Korea.

Strange times.

Korean Youth Unemployment and Student Debt - Any Plans?

There is high unemployment among Korean young people, along with high student debts. Are there people in the government who are planning for the future?

I sincerely doubt it. They all seem to be saying we need to improve the economy. Bullshit. The economy, military, government, and large corporations are doing okay. The average Korean is not doing well and is getting shafted, but most don't realize it.

Hmmm... What to do?

Hey, look what's happening in the US. And they are in a much better situation compared to Korea. This following article explains why only 5% of Americans can afford a new car, and why most people can't afford expensive things. Most people in the world are in need of help, even in so-called "advanced" countries.

At least, Bill Gates, Buffet and co. are putting their money to good use. There is hope.

Bloomberg: A $50,000 Chrysler Minivan Explains Slowing U.S. Auto Sales

World's Best Performing Hedge Fund Continues To Invest In Cannabis

Tribeca Investment Partners Pty, owner of the world’s best-performing hedge fund last year, has bought shares in the initial public offering of Cann Group, the only company to have a federal government license to grow marijuana in Australia.

Tribeca has also invested in two North American cannabis  firms Aurora Cannabis Inc. which has a 19.9 percent stake in Cann Group and Canopy Growth Corp., which has the world’s largest pot-growing facility near Niagara Falls.

Bloomberg: Top Hedge Fund Turns to Australian Cannabis Firm for Next Bet

151 billion dollar market projected to grow rapidly for decades. 151 billion dollars is about half of all annual consumer electronics sales globally. Guess there are some more billionaires in the making.

People Who See Through Thought, Not Eyes

There are blind people who can "see" their surroundings just by using their consciousness.

BBC: Blindsight -The Strangest Form of Consciousness

Global Market For Marijuana is $141.80 Billion

According to the 2005 United Nations World Drug Report, the total value of world’s marijuana market is $141.80 Billion.

Israel Continues Being Leader in Cannabis Research

Hebrew University of Jerusalem has established a Multidisciplinary Center on Cannabinoid Research to conduct and coordinate research about cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, medical cannabis in addition to promoting collaboration and dissemination of information.

Academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies worldwide are also channeling enormous efforts to basic and clinical research in this field.

Jerusalem Post: Hebrew University launches multidisciplinary center on medical marijuana 

Rich Get Richer, While Poor Get Poorer

This is true in Korea and other countries. With the future potential loss of jobs to AI and robots, the poor will only get poorer. While those who hold shares, own companies, or have real estate will keep getting richer.

Read all about it in the article below.

Bloomberg: America’s Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Replaced by Robots

So, what are you gonna do about it, Korea? No plans?

ASTM Committee Formed to Develop International Standards for Cannabis

Sounds like everyone is planning for the legalization and commercialization of marijuana except for Korea.

Why doesn't anybody listen in Korea? Geez! Could help solve economic, health, and other problems.

ASTM: Committee D37 on Cannabis 

Why Are There Zero Pro-Marijuana Articles in Korea?

Maybe it is not a democracy?

Thousands Gather to Share Research on Psychedelics

More than 2,600 doctors, professors, health-industry professionals and psychedelic experts will gather to share the latest research on drugs.

From April 19-24, at Psychedelic Science 2017, more than 100 presentations on the therapeutic uses of psychedelics, neuroscience behind this research, the spread of psychedelic culture into the mainstream and more
.
The conference is being co-hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and the UK-based Beckley Foundation.

Wonder how many Koreans will be there? Pretty sure there will be some.

BBC Film Implicates Korean Government In Sewol Ferry Disaster

The Korean media seemed to point all the blame at the operators of the ferry. However, the Korean government and corruption were also to blame.

There were supposed to be safety inspections, training, and other regulatory procedures which were not carried out properly or not at all. 

The ferry was illegally modified and still passed the safety inspection when it was commissioned after being renovated. 

The ferry was overloaded and the freight was not properly locked down.

The people manning the Coast Guard stations were negligent in their duties. The actions of the Coast Guard and Korean Navy did not positively or effectively assist in the rescue. 

The situation room at the Presidential compound which is supposed to be used in these kinds of disasters was not used. 

And so on...

The BBC film focuses on these points. Thank you BBC for doing something mainstream Korean media cannot seem to do. 

BBC: Film points finger at South Korean government for Sewol disaster

Highest Percentage of Americans Approve of Marijuana Legalization

61% of Americans polled want marijuana to be legalized in the US and 88% want legal medical marijuana. That is the highest ever percentage. More than half of those polled believed that alcohol was more harmful than marijuana while only 8% felt that pot was worse than alcohol.

Time: Number of Americans Supporting Legal Pot Shoots Higher

In a few years Canada, US will have legal pot. Two countries have legalized pot already. It is widely used around the world.

Korea, when will you start changing your outdated laws and prejudices? Probably losing at least several billions of dollars while in denial of a drug problem. They always say on TV that there is no drug problem in Korea. Maybe less in Korea, but why do young Koreans go abroad so often and spend so much money?

It seems useless to rant and rave, but it relieves some of the stress.

Science Proves Existence Of "Higher" Consciousness

Neuroscientists observed increased neural signal diversity in people under the influence of psychedelic drugs.

The diversity of brain signals provides a mathematical index to show the level of consciousness. For example, people who are awake have more diverse neural activity than those who are sleeping.

This makes being high, a more alert state of consciousness. Contrary to popular belief that stoners are dumb, they are merely more interested in their thoughts than other people's opinions of them.

Just luv science!

Science Daily News: Evidence of a 'higher' state of consciousness?

Many US congressmen predict federally legal recreational marijuana within 5 years. What is Korea doing? Losing out on all those billions of dollars and jobs.

Huffington Post: Lawmaker Predicts Marijuana Will Be Legal Within 5 Years

How Korea Could Collapse

There was an article on BBC about how Western civilization could collapse. The arguments seem almost tailored for how Korea could collapse. There are a  lot of baby boomers with , no jobs, no income and no pensions. While the rich get richer.

BBC: How Western civilization could collapse

Majority of Americans Have Used Marijuana

Maybe that is why it is a great nation! Way to go.

I am guessing that the majority of Koreans who studied in the US used marijuana also.

NBC News: New Poll Finds Majority of Americans Have Smoked Marijuana

US May Strike North Korea

The US is considering launching strikes against North Korea, if it proceeds with nuclear tests. Getting a little uncomfortable in Seoul. 

If the US does strike, they would need to take out most of North Korea's artillery, or Seoul is toast.

NBC News: U.S. May Launch Strike If North Korea Reaches For Nuclear Trigger

1,600 Marijuana Related Bills Pending in US

There are over 1,600 bills pending in Federal and State governments in the US.

How many in Korea? Maybe zero? If there are no bills for marijuana, then could the reason be that there is zero tolerance, and serious repression of free ideas outside the norm? Is it a democracy? Legally, yes. But...

NORML: Weekly Legislative Roundup 4/01/17

South African Court Approves Home Marijuana Use

South Africa legalized medicinal marijuana last year and this year, a South African court just ruled against a part of a law that prohibits private and personal use of marijuana.

Voice Of America: South African Court OKs Marijuana for Home Use 

Argentina Legalizes Medical Marijuana

Soon in Argentina, patients will be provided with medical marijuana free of charge!

Drug Policy Alliance: Argentina Legalizes Medical Marijuana

Other countries in the Americas that have legalized -

Uruguay and Jamaica have legalized marijuana use.
Chile was the first Latin American country to cultivate marijuana for oncology patients.
Colombia and Puerto Rico legalized medical marijuana.
Mexico and Brazil allow imports of marijuana-derived medicines
Costa Rica and Peru are discussing legislation to legalize marijuana.

The United States has 28 states that allow access to medical marijuana.

Where to Attend Free Courses From Yale, Other Top Universities?

You can!

Visit Class Central, the education portal offering free online classes from top universities.

Canada To Legalize Marijuana July 2018

In keeping with his campaign promise, Canada is the latest nation to legalize recreational marijuana!

Fortune: Canadian Marijuana Stocks Soar After Reports That Justin Trudeau Plans to Legalize Weed

38% of US Jobs Could Be Taken Over By Automation Within 15 years

According PwC, within 15 years 38% of jobs in the US, 30% in the UK, and 20% in Japan could be taken over by automation. There are gonna be a lot of people not working.

CNN: U.S. workers face higher risk of being replaced by robots.

Representative Tulsi Gabbard Calls for Federal Decriminalization of Pot

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii urged Congress to pass a bipartisan bill to decriminalize marijuana. The bill, Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act would remove marijuana from the federal controlled substances list, allowing marijuana to be treated like alcohol and tobacco.

Rep. Gabbard homepage: Calls for Federal Decriminalization of Marijuana

60% In US Want Legal Pot

In a poll conducted by Gallup, 60% of Americans want to legalize marijuana.

Gallup: Support for Legal Marijuana Use Up to 60% in U.S.

Wasted Money?

Imagine if all the money wasted by the former administrations of President Lee Myung-bak and Park Keun-hye was instead invested in alternative energy. Pipe dreams? hehe

Illinois May Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Illinois is the newest state to consider legalizing recreational marijuana. They already decriminalized marijuana in 2016. 

Time: The Next Legal Marijuana State? Illinois Considers Recreational Marijuana Bill

Negative Emotions Are Necessary To Well Being?

Many studies say that negative emotions play an important part in emotional and mental well being, Depression helps to alter our consciousness and give us a different perspective on things that are troubling or concerning to us. Anger and other bad feelings draw attention to problems or important matters that need our attention.

Sometimes negative feelings result from physical pain, or cognitive dissonance, and other times they result from legitimate concerns.

For detailed information on negative feelings and well being, please refer to the following article in Scientific American.

Negative Emotions Are Key to Well-Being

Wisconsin Legalizes CBD Oil

The Wisconsin Assembly voted unanimously, 98-0, to legalize possession of CBD oil, a marijuana extract used to treat seizures.

Fox6Now: Wisconsin Assembly UNANIMOUSLY approves marijuana extract

China's First CBD Research Company

A company in China has registered to sell CBD oil in China, along with other hemp based products.

High Times: China Launches First CBD Research Firm

Empathy is stressful?

Agreed, but it seems to become less so when understanding comes.

Scientific American: Too Much Emotional Intelligence Is a Bad Thing

At the lowest stages of emotional intelligence, it seems that people would try to manipulate others, but that usually leads to cognitive dissonance.

In later stages, it becomes less depressing, sort of amusing, when contemplated alone.
There is always a mix of emotions inside. Not one or the other.

Many say South Korea is a democracy?

Many say South Korea is a democracy?

Ever try to start a leftist group in Korea?

Marijuana dampens response to potentially winning money

I knew that! Why spend money on research? Ask me next time.

This article in Science Digest seems to paint it in a slightly negative tone.

Marijuana use dampens brain's response to reward over time, study finds

To put it in a positive light -

Dampening response to material rewards is actually good. That is what they say you need to do to reach "enlightenment".

Want people want and like always change, and even when they get it, they are not satisfied. Why? Cognitive dissonance. How to remedy it?

Would people rather not die?

Would people rather not die, than never live a life?

Comforting, eh?

Death is the other side of life?
Life can only exist, if there is death?
Energy exists forever.

Israel To Reduce Penalties For Marijuana To A Fine

It seems that Israel has millions of pot users and the cabinet just passed a measure to reduce penalties for pot use to a fine, instead of criminal charges.

Let's hope all other countries that have yet to decriminalize do so.

NY Daily News: Israel moves to reduce penalties for using marijuana

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 18th Week (Saturday)

This is probably the last Saturday before the decision on the impeachment of President Park by the Constitutional Court and demonstrators were out in full force at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.

Gwanghwamun at 7 pm

Packed from Gwanghwamun to Seoul City Hall

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 18th Week (Wednesday)

Today is a national holiday and hundreds of thousands of protesters in Seoul braved rain to demonstrate against President Park.

In front of Sejong Cultural Center at Gwanghwamun

Crowds From Seoul City Hall To Gwanghwamun

Wearing Raincoats 

Giant Neuron Begins In Region Linked To Consciousness

Scientists have been able to trace and image single neurons in a mouse brain and found three neurons extend throughout the brain from a region linked to consciousness. One of these neurons was found to have wrapped itself around the entire brain. Scientists believe that these neurons may relay information from the entire brain and generate consciousness.

Scientific American: Giant Neuron Found Wrapped around an Entire Mouse Brain

Marijuana Industry To Add More Jobs Than Manufacturing By 2020

According to US Bureau of Statistics, the marijuana industry will add a quarter of a million jobs in 2020, more than manufacturing, utilities or even government jobs. Jobs in manufacturing, utilities and government are projected to decrease markedly.

Forbes: Marijuana Industry Projected To Create More Jobs Than Manufacturing By 2020

South Africa Latest Country To Legalize Medicinal Marijuana

South Africa just legalized the production of cannabis for medical uses. Wonder which country is next? Probably in Europe or South America, who knows maybe Asia. Ever visit India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, and other like countries? They drink it as a drink, some eat it as a food. It almost seemed legal.

IOL: Medicinal cannabis gets the go-ahead

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 17th Week

Very large crowds are expected for today's demonstrations in Seoul which start at 6 pm. This is the first official demonstration this year in which many major civil rights, unions, and other groups are also participating. The march towards the Presidential compound and around downtown Seoul starts at 7:30 pm. 

In front of Sejong Cultural Center at 5:10 pm

Main Stage in front of Gwanghwamun at 5:15 pm

In front of Gwanghwamun at 5:20

Updated List Of Arrested In President Park Scandal

Joining those already in jail awaiting trial are Lee Jae-young (Samsung Vice Chairman) and Choi Kyung-hee (former President of Ewha University). Joining those indicted without arrest is Woo Byung-woo (former Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs). The press predict that six more people will be arrested and indicted by next week.

New York Times: Lee Jae-yong, Samsung Heir, Is Arrested on Bribery Charges
Korea Herald: Ex-Ewha Womans University President Choi Kyung-hee arrested
Joongang Daily: Blue House aide Woo Byung-woo avoids detention

Those arrested so far in the scandal are listed below;

Mr. Kim Ki-choon       (former Chief Presidential Secretary)
Ms. Cho Yoon-sun      (Minister of Culture and Sports)
Ms. Kim Kyung-sook   (Ewha U., Dean of Science and Industry Convergence College)
Ms. Lee  In-sung        (Ewha University, Professor)
Ms. Choi Soon-sil       (President Park's confidante)
Mr. Cha Eun-taek       (former Director of Creative Convergence Center)
Mr. An Chong-bum    (former Senior Presidential Secretary)
Mr. Jeong Ho-seong   (former Presidential Secretary)
Ms. Choi Si-ho           (niece of Ms. Choi Soon-sil)
Mr Kim Jong              (former Vice Minister of Culture)
Mr. Moon Hyung-pyo  (former Minister of Health)

Mr. Kim Jin-soo          (former Presidential Secretary for Health)

Mr. Kim Jong-deok     (former Minister of Culture)

Mr. Chung Gwang-ju   (former Vice Minister of Culture)

Mr. Shin Dong-chul     (former Presidential Secretary)

Mr. Song Sung-gak     (former Head of Korea Creative Content Agency)

Mr Ryu Cheol-gyun     (Ewha University Professor)

Mr. Nam Gung-gon     (former Ewha University, Dean of Admissions)

Those indicted with indifference (not arrested yet) are listed below;

Mr. Cho Won-dong     (former Senior Presidential Secretary for Economic Affairs)

Mr. Choi Gee-sung      (Samsung, Vice Chairman Future Strategy Office)

Mr. Jang Choong-gi     (Samsung, President Future Strategy Office)

Mr. Park Sang-jin         (Samsung Electronics, President for External Affairs)

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 16th Week

Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched again on Saturday in Seoul and other cities nationwide. The crowds were a little thinner than last week, but Gwanghwamun was stilled packed with families, couples, and other groups.

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 15th Week

The media has been giving pro-Park demonstrators a lot of airtime for the past few months, and several thousand show up every week. However, several hundred thousand anti-Park demonstrators also show up every week, and discuss things that aren't reported that much in the media. The atmosphere of the people demonstrating is much different than what is conveyed through media coverage. The air is full of of anger, solidarity, determination, and solemness.

Today, over 800,000 anti-Park demonstrators braved freezing temperatures and high winds to demand that Park step down, the Constitutional Court approve the impeachment, that acting President Hwang grant a 30-day extension to the Special Independent Prosecutor's investigation which ends in a few weeks, and other demands.








For some great pictures and details, click below.

The Hankyoreh: Despite frosty weather, 800,000 gather to demand Pres. Park’s impeachment

Anti-Park Demonstrations - 14th Week

Due to the Lunar New Year celebrations last weekend, there were no protests. However, this weekend, demonstrators for both sides were out in full force. 

There were several thousand pro-Park demonstrators in front of City Hall, and throngs of anti-Park demonstrators at Gwanghwamun Plaza. 

Gwanghwamun Plaza at 4 pm

Gwanghwamun Plaza at 5 pm

For more pictures and details, please click below.

Korea Herald: People take to streets demanding president's immediate resignation

Korea Times: People take to streets demanding president's immediate resignation

Yonhap: People take to streets demanding president's immediate resignation 

President Park Cut Off Funding To Opposition Supporters

President Park ordered that leftist elements in Korean society be denied government funding and positions. Her definition of leftist is anyone who opposed her administration, her father's legacy, or supported opposition politicians, groups, or causes. Her father did worse. Framed people as North Korean spies, or communist sympathizers, and put them in prison. Vast improvement, but still a long ways to go.

For more details on how over 8,000 people and 3,000 organizations were identified, and denied funding and jobs, please click below.

The Hankyoreh: Government blacklist stretched beyond culture, across South Korean society 

Park Administration Funded Right Wing Groups

President Park's administration reportedly ordered the Federation of Korean Industries to fund conservative groups for the past three years. Over $6 million were gathered from Samsung, the Hyundai Motor Company, SK and LG.

The Hankyoreh: Nearly $6 million flowed from chaebol to far right groups over three years

President Park is probably going through a mental breakdown., The breaking point will probably be the Constitutional Court decision on her impeachment, Then most normal people would go through a period of regret, guilt, remorse, and consider ways to escape.

Israel To Decriminalize Recreational Marijuana

Israel, a leader in medical marijuana research and marijuana patents, along with Britain, is taking steps to decriminalize recreational marijuana. Those caught will now be fined.

CNN: Israel takes steps to decriminalize marijuana use

All those Koreans spending all that money abroad. A lot of young people going to the US, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Amsterdam, Thailand, Cambodia., Laos, and other countries for ganja. Wonder if Korea has got even one patent for medical marijuana. It seems everyone else has patents.

All these brainwashed people think marijuana users are addicts and criminals. People use it because they have pain, emotional or physical, in most cases both, and most aren't aware they are in pain.

Many people try it and feel nothing special. Some try it and feel good, become more satisfied with life, more self aware, things become more enjoyable. more empathetic and other things.

To borrow from Scientific American -

"The English author Aldous Huxley believed that the brain acts as a “reducing valve” that constrains conscious awareness, with mescaline and other hallucinogens inducing psychedelic effects by inhibiting this filtering mechanism."

Maybe marijuana does the same thing. The brain tries to make sense of the world and is constrained by all the general assumptions that the brain has made about the world. It seems to release some of these "bonds" or "constraints", and give a broader perspective of the world and self.

Scientific American: Do Psychedelics Expand the Mind by Reducing Brain Activity?

Science Daily: Answers to how our brains make meaning, with the help of LSD

Why do people call it being high? Maybe it is because their spirits were lifted up closer to Heaven? :)

Scientists have discovered a new form of matter - Time Crystals!

Science Daily: Scientists unveil new form of matter: Time crystals

Will Canada Legalize Recreation Marijuana In 2017? Experts Say Yes.

Experts think that Canada will legalize recreational marijuana in 2017. It was a campaign promise of Prime Minister Trudeau, and medicinal marijuana is already legal in Canada.

Benzinga: When Will Canada Legalize Weed? Experts Weigh In

Park Administration Ordered Funding Of Right Wing Groups

According to TV news, Lee Seung-chul, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), testified that President Park's administration ordered the funding of ten right wing groups.

There have been very outspoken and aggressive conservative right wing groups at demonstrations, government offices, parliament, and other places. For a long time, it was rumored that the groups were funded by and received orders from the Park administration. The rumors turned out to be true., These right wing groups were fanatical and sometimes violent. They were paid demonstrators.

According to Vice Chairman Lee, FKI did not have enough funds, so he had to ask the federation members for an additional $3 million annually in order to fund these groups.

No articles in the press on this topic yet.

Medical Marijuana Legalized Unanimously By German Parliament

Legislation legalizing the use of medicinal marijuana was just passed unanimously by the German parliament. The bill becomes effective March 1. 2017.

CNN: Germany becomes latest country to OK medical marijuana legalization


Korea locked up 313 drug users and arrested around 1,800 last year, according to TV news. Most other countries are releasing them.

CNN: Obama cuts sentences of hundreds of drug offenders

Korea Demonstrations - 13th Week

Over 350,000 in Seoul and around the country braved freezing snow to participate in the 13th week of demonstrations against President Park's abuses.

There are no demonstrations planned for next weekend, since it is the Lunar New Year Holidays, which is like Christmas for Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese and muc of Southeast Asia, a time for families to gather.

If Lee Jae-young is convicted of bribery, then Samsung would have to pay penalties to many countries that have laws against foreign corruption. Maybe it would be better to lock them up on other charges, overlook bribery. Bribery is so hard to prove, when the main suspect didn't receive any bribes directly, but through companies, or foundations and the assets are in other people's names.

President Park Scandal Arrest List Update

Four more people, listed below just arrested recently;

Mr. Kim Ki-choon        (former Chief Presidential Secretary)
Ms. Cho Yoon-sun       (Minister of Culture and Sports)
Ms. Kim Kyung-sook   (Ewha U., Dean of Science and Industry Convergence College)
Ms. Lee  In-sung        (Ewha University, Professor)

Those arrested so far in the scandal are listed below;

Ms. Choi Soon-sil       (President Park's confidante)
Mr. Cha Eun-taek       (former Director of Creative Convergence Center)
Mr. An Chong-bum    (former Senior Presidential Secretary)
Mr. Jeong Ho-seong   (former Presidential Secretary)
Ms. Choi Si-ho           (niece of Ms. Choi Soon-sil)
Mr Kim Jong              (former Vice Minister of Culture)
Mr. Moon Hyung-pyo  (former Minister of Health)

Mr. Kim Jin-soo          (former Presidential Secretary for Health)

Mr. Kim Jong-deok     (former Minister of Culture)

Mr. Chung Gwang-ju   (former Vice Minister of Culture)

Mr. Shin Dong-chul     (former Presidential Secretary)

Mr. Song Sung-gak     (former Head of Korea Creative Content Agency)

Mr Ryu Cheol-gyun     (Ewha University Professor)

Mr. Nam Gung-gon     (former Ewha University, Dean of Admissions)

Those indicted with indifference (not arrested yet) are listed below;

Mr. Cho Won-dong    (former Senior Presidential Secretary for Economic Affairs)

Lee Jae-yong            (Samsung Vice Chairman)

Choi Gee-sung          (Samsung, Vice Chairman Future Strategy Office)

Jang Choong-gi         (Samsung, President Future Strategy Office)

Park Sang-jin             (Samsung Electronics, President for External Affairs)

Mr. Kim Ki-choon and Ms. Cho Yoon-sun were arrested and indicted for blacklisting artists and other people (abuse of power, perjury, etc.).

Korea Herald: Kim Ki-choon, Cho Yoon-sun detained

Korea Times: Culture minister, ex-presidential chief of staff arrested over blacklist of 'left-leaning' artists 

Yonhap News: S. Korea's culture minister arrested over blacklist of cultural figures 

For a long time, many though right wing groups were backed and given directions by the Park Administration. This was just proven true and Minister Cho Yoon-sun was behind it, most likely after receiving directions from President Park. 

The Hankyoreh: Culture Minister orchestrated right-wing demonstrations when serving as Blue House Senior Secretary 

Expect even more arrests and indictments in the coming weeks!

Best Place To Buy In Seoul - Butane Gas

The Cheongnyangri Fruit and Vegetable Market is the cheapest place to buy many things, including butane gas canisters.



The general grocery stores sell a butane gas cans for 3,000 won per four can pack. Most places charge more than 4,000 won for a four can pack. They also sell butter at the cheapest prices. I bought a 450 gram packet of Seoul Milk Butter for 7,000 won. The owner told me that prices were just raised, so it will cost more next time.

Butane Gas Canister 4-Pack

Butter (middle shelf)

The market is also the best place to buy fruits and vegetables, but you should shop around for the best buys and stores. Most places do not accept credit cards. Some do and charge 10% extra. Some of the larger stores accept credit cards without extra charges. The stores wholesale, and also retail on the side. If they do not accept credit cards, they can cut out the VAT, credit card processing fee, and reduce margins.

I bought a box of 16 apples (medium size, much bigger than at Home Plus, Emart and other stores) for 15,000 won from this store.

At the west end of the market, there are stores that sell meat, mushrooms, ginseng, nuts, seeds, grains and other foodstuffs at prices much cheaper than discount stores.

I also bought a 10 kilogram box of sweet potatoes nearby for 20,000 won. Really good quality.

Some stores are great, some are rip offs. So, shop around.