Photo of John Mensing

Rhetoric

www.myspace.com/realrhetoric

Now in Hiroshima for a week view more

View My:

  • John Mensing

  • 50 / Male
  • Samcheonpo, Sacheon, KR
  • Last Login: 7/1/2009

1000282184|50|11110|http://b6.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01400/67/93/1400693976_m.jpg

Interests

  • General

    White and Nerdy
    .. .. .. .. ..> .. .. .. .. ..> .. .. .. .. ..> .. .. .. .. ..>
    Add to My Profile | More VideosCommunity Organizing, Editing, Reading, Buddhism, Religion, Politics, Writing, Teaching, Martial Arts, Qi Gong, Massage, taking care of the fish, Gardening, Cooking, Publishing. Children.

  • Music

    Boomtown Rats, Big Band Jazz, Swing, Blues, Jazz, Rock, folk; Bob Dylan, Moody Blues, Tracy Chapman, The Used and My Chemical Romance, Adam Ant, Glenn Miller, Cab Calloway, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Phil Ochs, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, ELO, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Cebar, Tom Waits, Frank Sinatra, Billy Idol, The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Tom Petty, The Beatles, Sara Vaughan, Bessie Smith, Five for Fighting, John Coltrane, some of Phil Collins, some of Peter Gabriel, James Brown, Boddy Holly, Indigo Girls, the Supremes, Muddy Waters, the Beatles, the Who, the Rolling Stones, Mott the Hoople, Lou Reed, Cat Stevens,

  • Movies

    For years I've been a fan of the website www.rottentomatoes.com, which links you to revviews of movies. I was happy to puruse it the other day and find a review of the film, "Ghost Rider". It went something like, "For years scientists have been predicting that Nicolas Cage would overact so much that his head would burst into flames. It's finally happened." I got a chuckle out of that. Nicholas Cage is a very bad actor, and it's nice to see a reviewer agree with me on that. A bad actor can spoil a movie. Think of Nicholas Cage, Uva Thurman, Demi Moore. A good director can make a mediocre actor look good, think of Michael Douglas in "Black Rain". Basic Instinct was fun because it was set in San Francisco, and you had Michael Douglas doing the antithesis to his "Streets of San Grancisco" role. All that was missing was a cameo from Karl Malden. Almost Anything these days; "All the Mornings in the World" is one of my favorites, because it shows the beauty of musical genius and the depressing aspects of mediocrity. "Saturday Night Fever" has to be one of the all time greats, because it is so negative; there is no way out: a realized dark vision is hard to achieve in cinema. I've seen a lot of cartoons over the past decade, and many -- most -- like "Shark's Tale" are disappointing. But of course "Toy Story", "Finding Nemo", and "The Incredibles" were fantastic. "Dumbo" is one of my favorites. "Happy Feet" about penguins, which came out recently, is surprisingly good. On and off I've done movie reviews for newspapers and magazines, so this could go on. I'll keep adding as I think of things. Oh, "Without Anesthesia", a Polish Film, is one of my all time favorites. Has anyone seen the scene where the protagonist elects to have his tooth drilled without anesthesia by a heavyset woman dentist, who proceeds to tell our hero what a schmuck he is for not treating his wife (who is a bitch and whom we know has been cheating on him) better? The pain, the pain. Almost everything by Lina Wertmiller, Fasbinder; anything by Ingmar Bergman. Repo Man. I saw Marie Antoinette tonight: Could it have been worse? Looking forward to Spiderman 3 and Teenage Ninja turtles with the kids.

  • Television

    Don't watch. Except on You Tube. But for some people, Television is their role model. Mom watches terrestrial TV, refuses to pay for cable. I swear the stuff is rotting her brain, and a few others over there in the US, too. I suspect it creates a climate of fear. Weird stuff. Stay away from it if you live in the states, is what I would recommend. In fact, and I attribute this to TV rather than print journalism, MySpace has been branded as something "they" do rather than something "we" do for so many of the people I contacted there (the US). Why does the use of a technology have to be viewed as a cultural marker? But then, the poohbahs at MySpace may be more than complicit in this. Under the networking section, careers which one can choose are quite limited, things like social workers (which some of the people who utilize MySpace seem to have need of) are not even listed as options. Ghettoizing people by their interests is criminal. Let MySpace be for everyone, and let's associate then with whom we choose, and be heterogenous about it if we're cosmopolitan enough to cope. Damn the marketing torpedos~! ..

  • Books

    I worked as an editorial assistant, assistant editor, and associate editor at three NYC Publishing houses, and have read my share of bad submissions and failed book attempts. Now most of my reading is connected with Asian history and cultural heritage, particularly the Buddhist religion and South Asia, though I've done a fairly through survey of Chinese and Japanenese historical and cultural studies. For awhile, I taught American History and so have read vairly extensively there, Daniel Boorstein being a favorite. I had the strange notion that people in Japan would benefit from learning English by participating in a Western cultural icon that involved books, and so read and taught the Harry Potter Series, an activity I still believe to be beneficial for English as a second language acquisition (although participating in MySpace is probably the single biggest boost one could give to budding foreign language acquisition). Lots of history, cultural studies, and anthropology. Louis Dumont is one of my faves. "Homo Hierarchicus". Rey Ileto. At one time I enjoyed reading the classics and a good bit of poetry. Of course I admired Fitzgerald, esp. "The Beautiful and the Damned", as well as Hemingway, John Steinbeck, etc., but I found myself particularly drawn to Thomas Wolfe, and also developed a special fondness for John Dos Pasos and Sinclair Lewis. And in college I read Chaucer, Pope, Dryden, Swift, Milton, etc.

  • Heroes

    "It is wrong to expect a reward for your struggles. The reward is the act of struggle itself, not what you win. Even though you can't expect to defeat the absurdity of the world, you must make that attempt. That's morality, that's religion. That's art. That's life." - Phil Ochs. Heaven / Talking Heads
    .. .. .. .. ..> .. .. .. .. ..> .. .. .. .. ..> .. .. .. .. ..>
    Add to My Profile | More VideosThese include, Owen Lattimore, Paul Cebar, Al Gore, Bill Clinton, Robert Taylor

Details

  • Status: Divorced
  • Here for: Networking, Dating, Serious Relationships, Friends
  • Hometown: Pewaukee, WI
  • Orientation: Straight
  • Body type: 6' 2" / Average
  • Ethnicity: White / Caucasian
  • Religion: Protestant
  • Zodiac Sign: Virgo
  • Children: Proud parent
  • Education: Grad / professional school
  • Occupation: Editor, Researcher, Sadu

Schools

  • Emory University

    • Atlanta, GA
    • Graduated: N/A
    • Student status: Alumni
    • Degree: Master's Degree
    • Major: Theology
    • Clubs: Yoga
    1991 to 1992

  • Cuny Hunter College

    • New York, NY
    • Graduated: N/A
    • Student status: Alumni
    • Degree: Master's Degree
    • Major: Urban Planning
    1987 to 1989

  • St. Cloud State University

    • St. Cloud, MN
    • Graduated: N/A
    • Student status: Alumni
    • Degree: Other
    • Major: Behavioural Psychology
    • Clubs: Summer Institute in the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, National Science Foundation Program
    1975 to 1975

  • Hahnemann University Hospital

    • Philadelphia, PA
    • Graduated: 1976
    • Student status: Alumni
    • Degree: Other
    • Major: Journalism
    • Minor: Liberal Arts
    1975 to 1976

  • Marquette University

    • Milwaukee, WI
    • Graduated: 1981
    • Student status: Alumni
    • Degree: Bachelor's Degree
    • Major: Journalism
    • Minor: Psychology
    • Clubs: Debate Club, Drama Society, newspaper, Honors Society, Society of Professional Journalists, Harry J. Grant Scholarship
    1975 to 1981

  • Pewaukee Hi

    • Pewaukee, WI
    • Graduated: 1976
    • Student status: Alumni
    • Degree: High School Diploma
    • Clubs: Drama Club, Debate Club, Nespaper, Photography, Civil Air Patrol
    1972 to 1975

Networking

  • "Academia" is not one of the Fields available for listing, but if it were, I should list it.

  • I have written hundreds of articles for a handful of publications. Available on request.

  • Although my resume includes a stint as a production assistant at a TV network, social work is the other category I should like to see available here for listing. My experience there is broad and varied, but a concentration on community organizing is

Companies

Video Slider

Activity Stream

Latest Blog Entries

Blurbs

About me:

.. Alanis Morissette - You Learn
.. .. .. .. ..> .. .. .. .. ..> .. .. .. .. ..> .. .. .. .. ..>
Add to My Profile | More Videos .. On May 30, back to Hiroshima. On June 1, Onward to Sacheon, Korea. Happy to have my article published in the Journal for the South and Southeas Asian Association for the Study of Culture and Religion Politics, Religion . . . What? Currently completing my dissertation for a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies Where? When? Now: Kandy and Hiroshima Before: Pewaukee --- New York City (Lower East Side and Williamsburg)--- Rifle In Between: Dharmshala, Ningbo, Mandalay, Karachi, Manila, Chongqing, Delhi, Chennai. See Also: SIN, BKG, ICN, KL. Future: Yangon or Ulaanbaator seem attractive; so do Cebu and Seoul. Iran or Iraq are possible. How? I'll tell you later. Sensitive and Intelligent are the two words which might, at a glance, create a somewhat accurate impression. http://www.youtube.com/user/realrhetoric http://my.care2.com/realrhetoric I'm always interested in China. Some History: 2005 The Inaugural Conference of South and Southeast Asian Association for the Study of Religion (SSEASR). New Delhi, India. "Why is it so Difficult to be a Buddhist in America? A Critical Assessment of Buddhism in the Land of the Free." 2005 Myanmar Historical Commission Golden Jubilee Conference. Yangon, Myanmar. "Buddhism and Politics: Some Observations from Ceylon." 1997-2001 Radiation Effects Research Foundation. Hiroshima, Japan. Translation Editor. 1996-2001 Hiragana Times, Tokyo, Japan. Book Review Columnist. 1996-1997 Tibetan Refugee Community. Dharmshala, India. Social Worker. 1992-1995 China. 1981-1992 New York City. Appointed Member of Community Board 1, Brooklyn. City Council candidate. Homeless organizer. NYC Environmental Action. Coalition: Director of Community Organizing. Trinity Lower East Side Lutheran Church: Frelance social worker. New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. Crown Publishers; Shocken Books; Rawson, Wade Publishers: Assistant Editor. People’s Firehouse, Brooklyn: Director of Outreach and Support Services. Downtown Magazine: writer. 1977-1991 Milwaukee Journal and Sentinel: Local News, Movie Reviews. 1976 Lake Country Reporter, Hartford, Wisconsin. Local News. And other stuff. I am the Godson of Billy White, a.k.a. Billy Sleaze, a.k.a. Alfred Hightower John Mensing's Facebook profile

Who I'd like to meet:

.. .. .. ..> .. .. .. ..> .. .. .. ..> .. .. .. ..> .. .. .. .. .. ..Second language learners who are trying to create a "virtual community" which would facilitate their transition to English as a viable medium for a subculture's expression, particularly those in Hiroshima or greater Japan, at the moment, and it's always nice to see a lot of flowers in the spring. But I hope the tools of enlightenment begin to blosum everywhere. Someone who could walk me through this HTML process to jazz my page up a bit more; don't want to make it too noisey, loud, or distracting, kind of like the minimalist approach, but feel I could go there even more with some tweaking. Of course, eventually (this belongs in the "About Me" section) I will get around to clicking links and researching this myself. But it might be nice if the learning experience was accompanied by a new virtual friendship or the deepening of an existing one. Several of you out there have expressed needs on your profile which might be addressed with reference to some of my experience and education, and I would also be happy to share. Anyone living in Kandy, or elswhere in Sri Lanka for that matter. Anyone living in or visiting Hiroshima. Anyone who doesn't understand Asia. Anyone who thinks they understand Asia. I would like to "virtually" meet you if need something edited. If you are an academic writing in a second language, you may find my services indispensable. Shoot me a sample. I'm also very interested in Mongolia.

Video Player

Comments

Displaying 25 of 79 comments
  • Ken

    Oct 6 2008 4:51 PM

    Photobucket

    wanted to say hi, show you what my yard looks like this time of year and wish you a wild whacky wonderful week...
  • Cherry

    Nov 29 2008 9:33 AM

    Hi John ! stopping to say hello .

    enjoy your weekends ...
  • Keith Kofron

    Dec 20 2008 3:49 PM

    Photobucket
  • aNGeL oF dEAtHSandy Nugaliyadde

    Dec 23 2008 4:28 AM

    Buried @ Photocasket
  • jenielinJenielin patrocino

    Aug 29 2008 5:54 AM

    haloo..happy,happy birthday!!enjoy a lot...Godbless! ;-)
  • Ken

    Aug 9 2008 8:18 PM

    Photobucket

    “Life is the flower for which love is the honey.”
    Victor Hugo

    hope that all is well with you... all the best... ken...
  • Ken

    Aug 13 2008 1:56 AM

    Photobucket

    “When all's said and done, all roads lead to the same end. So it's not so much which road you take, as how you take it.”
    -Charles de Lint-
  • Ken

    Aug 21 2008 11:44 PM

    Photobucket

    just stopping by to say hello... hope you're smiling and that your toes are tapping ...
  • Jenny Redding - ESL Pro…Jenny Redding

    Aug 5 2008 4:44 PM

    Thanks for being my friend,
    You are invited to join my discussion group
    JennysTEACHERSroom,
    Jenny
  • BethBeth Fehlbaum

    May 9 2008 2:52 PM

    Thanks for the add!
    Beth Fehlbaum, author
    Courage in Patience, a story of hope for those who have endured abuse
    http://courageinpatience. blogspot. com
    Chapter 1 is online!
  • frankFrank Wiedner

    Feb 18 2008 6:11 PM

    HAAAAAAAAAhahahahaha!!! LOL!!! That's beautiful man!
  • ArtArt MD

    Jan 24 2008 6:09 PM

    That's whats up. Check out my team's new site. Streetflips.com. Hopefully well get booked in Japan and get a chance to perform LOL
  • Kathy ("Photo Kathy")Kathy Wyrwas

    Jan 2 2008 12:59 AM

    Hello! Wishing a wonderful 2008 to you and the kids!!!
  • Keith Kofron

    Dec 14 2007 8:28 PM

    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
  • Loveswithspirit™Michael Lawhorn

    Nov 9 2007 1:11 PM

    Let's all have a wonder filled weekend. may you have many moments when you just stand in amazement and say, "WOW"
    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
    I am saying Wow when I think of you my friend.
    Michael Loveswithspirit
  • Terumi

    Nov 2 2007 10:27 PM


    Glitter Graphics & Comments
  • Terumi

    Oct 30 2007 8:26 AM


    Myspace Graphics
    Myspace Graphics


    Hi how are you?
  • joshuajoshua smith

    Sep 19 2007 1:25 AM

    It is apparent that you are a well-spoken individual; and I forsee you having no problems fitting into the culture of the United states. From my travels of the world thus far, I have found out that people appreciate the effort to understand far more than the actual knowledge. Enjoy your stay.
  • Saemix

    Sep 3 2007 10:13 AM

    you guys so worry about me....i know

    yeah when i got here on friday but you know i had something like jet problem felt soooooooo bad.i was sleepin all day on friday....but...


    on sat i went to da club LATIN LIVES. can you belive it??? in LA so many LATIN people looks like richard:-D ha!!!!!!!!!!i want to some clud around my place but you know in LA need a dress cord!!!cant get in da club wearing cap or hat!!!

    but tonight ima dress up and i went to 740 famouse club in douwntown!!!

    here is really nice place in down town!!
    please check da HP 730LA.com!!!


    and i have really surprised story there!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    i met da guy he often came to EBC and he is good dancer!!!...........and you know he is good looking!!



    i still can belive it i met him in here!!!!!!
    you know world is sooooooooooooo small!!!!!


    but you guys know

    IMA REALLY MISS YOU GUYS

    i think i cant enjoy more if u guys here.....


    i miss u guys and i luv u and .........
    i luv EBC people


    thanks for support me everytime!!!
  • AveryCarl Hughes

    Aug 28 2007 6:06 PM

    Happy Birthday, I hope you have a great day
  • DominikaDominika Król

    Aug 28 2007 4:01 PM

    Myspace Graphics - Happy Birthday
    On your birthday, wishing you everything that please you & filled with moments that make your day, a special one !
  • Truth Song

    Aug 29 2007 1:07 AM

    For You, An Irish Blessing

    May the sun shine, all day long,
    everything go right, and nothing wrong.
    May those you love bring love back to you,
    and may all the wishes you wish come true!

    Happy Birthday.
  • Saemix

    Aug 27 2007 3:31 PM


    Orkut Comments & Glitters , Myspace Comments
    HAPPY B'DAY
    finally i took vacation and im leavin hiro tomorrow and gonna go to LA this weekend!!
    hope you enjoy ur B'DAY
  • wordwarriorJim Heald

    Aug 27 2007 12:53 AM

    Happy Birthday! May it be a wonderful day for you and all who celebrate it with you.
    Jim
  • TAKA Photographer (P…

    Aug 26 2007 5:23 AM

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    I SEND YOU MY WARMEST GREETINGS FOR YOUR **TH BIRTHDAY AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS.
    *ご両親に感謝!

    ―――――――――――