Giant Robot Store and GR2 News

It’s been beyond heavy rain this summer, and now it’s typhoon season in Asia. This guy’s photo from Time shows he’s chilling, but by now at least 100 are dead in China, with lots of people missing and injured. Thousands are displaced from their homes, and there are massive amounts of property damage. Sad news from all over this side of the globe about the destruction and loss of lives and property. North Korea is flooded, and lots of farmland destroyed. Just what they need, less food. The United Nations made a visit and are now calling for immediate and increased aid before things get worse. In Southern Japan 250,000 were evacuated with floods, landslides and more expected. July was the worst of the rains this summer. South of Seoul, one mudslide took out three hotels, killing 13. Now heavy winds and rain are doing their damage in the city center. The Philippines have taken major hits, from multiple typhoons. Pakistan just saw the heaviest rains in 65 years. At the start of the summer, my Mongolian family had a “pray for rain and a bountiful summer” party with a monk facilitating the good intentions. The heavy rain here has been good, especially after years of drought, but in the ger districts of Ulaanbaatar, the rain meant mudslides and homes destroyed. At least a dozen died in July. What does all this mean for the long term? Lots of efforts to recover with dwindling resources. Increased food prices, according to the UN food price index. Sigh. Rough seas ahead. Don’t put away the inflatable furniture just yet.  
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In Korea, you have to serve two years of in the Army. He’s been in the public eye for a decade and at 29 is now enrolling in the military service. Yes, you have to do this in Korea. Athletes who win a gold medal can be exempt, perhaps because of the status they give to a nation, but a singer, dancer, or actor? No, they have to learn how to fight. At 29, this is a crucial time in his career. He hasn’t been in any successful Hollywood movie, but that little momentum from Ninja Assassin to Speed Racer will be long erased. In two years, what will change? By then will another Korean export fill his shoes? Probably not, but can he live with himself and away from the public ridicule if he doesn’t serve, yes. The photo and video below is from our buddy Rain’s appearance at Giant Robot NY. Yes those are Uglydolls in the background and Sun-min Kim’s Spiderboom!   [youtube]qhTWTN2K850[/youtube]
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