Train of Thoughts

Smoque BBQ

Hawon Jung — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:39:16 -0500

3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL - (773) 545-7427‎
http://www.smoquebbq.com

Finally I went to this famous BBQ restaurant in Chicago. I was expecting some pretty big size restaurant with lots of people, but i ended up witnessing a restaurant that doesn't even look like one from outside plus people lined up to get in like a club.

After waiting about good 20~30 mins of waiting we were able to get into the building. Exciting moment lasted very shortly due to another long line till the counter. It's not like any other sit down restaurants. It's more like fast food or local neighbor quick snack shop but IT'S PACKED!!

We ordered 2 lb of pulled pork, 2 lb of briskets, a half slap of rib, order of corn bread, texas sausages, peach cobblers, and amazing mac and cheese!!! Oh also chicken too. Every thing we ordered was great, especially Mac and Cheese (so much different than one I ever had before) and Peach Cobbler which i never had it before but very delicious!

I'd love to go to this place again, but definitely better to go with big size group rather than few people so i can taste many different things on the menu!

I'd give 4/5
Oh Pictures!!!

The Incredible Hulk

Hawon Jung — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:58:33 -0500

As good as Iron Man? I do not think so, but so much better than previous one? YES!!!

Maybe it wasn't as good as it could be since i was really tired when i saw this movie. Oh well, very entertaining, lots of actions, and astonishing computer graphics, but very corny lines by The Hulk and boring love story line.

I couldn't believe when the hulk said "Hulk Smash". I know this is one of his move, but oh my... More than anything i can't wait till the avenger to come out- I heard Thor and Ant Man movie will come out before the avengers, I just hope that they at least change Thor's costume!

I'll give 4/5 on this movie

Movie Review: Kung Fu Panda

Hawon Jung — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:53:52 -0500

I guess it was good that i didn't have any expectations. After reading Toice's Review (All in Korean) I dropped all my expectations on this movie. After all I realized that even I kept my expectations this movie wouldn't disappointed me at all.
I love Jack Black (except his music), The School of Rock, Nacho Libre, and many other comedies, also King Kong and other serious ones.. I love most of them. I think he's a good actor- Guess what I loved so much about Kung Fu Panda?? I think it captured really well of Jack Black's facial expression. Even without knowing that it's Jack Black who did the voice, i could able to tell it by the facial expressions. Also panda's body is very similar to Jack Black.

Honestly the most fun part was in the beggining. All in Po's dream. I love when he said "There is no charge for awesomeness... or attractiveness". I was laughing so hard. Also towards to the end when Shifu found peace, Po thought that Shifu was dead. So kinda crying out and stuff- It was kinda easy to say Shifu's not dead, but it still somehow pulled it pretty well-

I wish i was able to see the scene after the end credit. I walked out right away as soon as the movie was over, but my friend told me after the movie that there's a one scene in it... He told me that if I want to know what it is I have see the movie again :(. Oh well, I love Internet- Here's the last scene after the ending credit I missed!!!

I'd give this movie 5/5!!

절대 추천합니다!

Updates.

Hawon Jung — Sun, 8 Jun 2008 08:59:21 -0500

I'm alive and well..

There are few things I'd like to post.. but looks like i can't find time for it :(
좀 들바뻐지면 해야겠다!

It's all green now!

Hawon Jung — Sat, 17 May 2008 19:54:28 -0500

I didn't realize that the spring has come. Just as any other year in Chicago, I never can tell when the spring is exactly.
Just today, after the work I took a short 30 minute nap. What a surprise as I waking up and looking over at my window.

It's GREEEN!! Trees are green, grasses are green, and wow I can't even find white spots on my backyard!

Yes indeed, the spring is here!

I ordered couple microphones.

Hawon Jung — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:42:40 -0500

I haven't had much time recording recently, but I still decided to order couple microphones.
Both of them are from M-Audio, first one is Sputnik Vacuum Tube Microphone, second one is Pulsar II matching Pair.

1. M-Audio Sputnik

2. M-Audio Pulsar II Matched Pair

Yes I do have BLUE Baby Bottle and RODE NT5 Matched Pair. This might overlap the purposes, but more microphones never hurt, especially if these are as good as reviews!

I can't wait till receive them. I'll post un-boxing as soon as I get them and reviews as soon as I get to do some recordings!

Gas Price

Hawon Jung — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:19:54 -0500

I know already many places in the city's regular price is way higher than $4.00... Still i can't believe where i always fill up my car is about to hit $4 :(
Seems like more and more, it's harder to afford a car that takes lots of gas =\

Another reason that I love living in suburbs.. Not only lower gas price, but clear roads!!!

Only thing that i wish is, it's a bit more winding roads... it's hard to find in chicago land area though.

Finally, a very long long waited spring is coming-

Hawon Jung — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:37:02 -0500

Yes, if you ever lived in Chi-Town, you would know. You'll still have shovel to clean the snow till end of may.
It is still pretty darn cold, it's been only very few days actual temperature hit 70s and i know it by looking at forecasts, i won't have luxury of 70s for another week or two.
It's okay, I've been here long enough now. Today, I definitely felt spring is around the corner now.

I loved the sun shining down today a lot. It was a beautiful day. Can't you feel the spring is coming soon???

Uggh, I hate constructions. I do not like chicago traffics in spring season. They always have to fix up roads after winter due to salt damages... My normal commute to work is about 15~20 mins. It isn't too bad but cause of constructions now it takes about 30~40 mins easily. If I'm unlucky, it can take up to an hour :(

The traffic jammed both way... oh well, at least the weather was great- I enjoyed a long commute today haha.

Good bye Canon PowerShot SD870 IS

Hawon Jung — Sun, 11 May 2008 20:49:05 -0500

I'd say good bye to my 4th digital camera, Canon PowerShot SD870 IS
The reason I bought this camera was I lost my second one (Canon PowerShot S70) and I needed one for the moment. I quickly bought Nikon S51, returned after a week and half, I wish I kept that one then I would not considered to sell it at all. I spent another $100 to get SD870 IS. I liked it in general. It is small powerful, and puts out pretty good pictures. BUT I found my PowerShot S70 after a while, my dad put it in garage and didn't remember that he did ugggh, and i rarely take pictures these days. So I decided to sell the newer one cause I still like the big brick like my S70 haha.

Thank you for serving me well over 500 shots of pictures in about 8 months. Hope you'll be a lot more useful to next owner.

The Best Honda Civic Ever Made: 08 Mugen Civic Type-RR

Hawon Jung — Sat, 10 May 2008 17:50:47 -0500

such a gorgeous civic, but unfortunately it's all sold out already.
They only made for 300 and it's all gone in 10 mins!!! the price wasn't that cheap either. It was about $50k in USD.
The Power 243 hp at 8,000 rpm; 160lb-ft at 7,000 rpm from 2.0L K20A DOHC I-VTEC. Probably the best 2.0L engine out there.

Click to view full size

ah i wish i can have one...

Updates.

Hawon Jung — Thu, 8 May 2008 18:01:01 -0500

Wow, it's been a while since i wrote something on my blog.
I bought bunch of CDs, saw couple movies, and thinking about getting couple more microphones and still being lazy to post any of them.
Oh well, one day i'll not being lazy anymore. Anywho- I'm doing well and still alive.

Apple Ipod Shuffle

Hawon Jung — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:08:18 -0500

I recently got a Ipod shuffle. Thank to my sister who generously bought me one.

She asked me what color I want and i chose red without having any knowledge of (PRODUCT) Red, I thought it was the best one out there haha. It made me feel even better by choosing the color that i want the most helps out fighting AIDS in africa. :)

My first impression to Ipod Shuffle was very small and light. I was wondering if I would be able to not loose it nor break it. Surprisingly it is a very solid piece, a lot better than i thought.
One thing that disappointed me was sound quality. I knew apple Ipod products don't have the best sound reproductions, but oh my- this one have so much noise it has!!!

It is a very attractive little bitty tiny player, great concept, very functional, and right price, I wish it has a lot less noise.. It's quality is even worse than my phone haha... Well, I love it- although doesn't use it much

P.S. I just realized that this is my first IPOD ever!!! haha

요즘 근황-

Hawon Jung — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:36:00 -0500

바쁘게 잘 살고 있습니다.
일 -> 집 -> 일 -> 집 -> 교회
머 거의 이런 일상에 살고. ㅎㅎ
매일 거의 밤 10시쯤 뻣어서 아침 4~6시 사이 기상...
이것저것 계획하고 생각하는게 많은데, 어찌 될지는 잘 모르겠네요
조만간 시간나는대로- 좀 들 바뻐지면 소월했던것들에 하나둘씩 다시 관심을 가질 날이 오길 바라며

New Purchase

Hawon Jung — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:17:08 -0500

Past month or two, I was considering to get Mbox MINI for a small project that I'll be working on it soon.
Today a great chance came by, a unit that has been displayed for a long time, missing softwares, instructions, and all was in the store and grabbed it at amazing price. Software, document sets, ignition pack 2, and etc didn't bother much, cause I already have 002 setup with 7.4 running.
I came home with huge smile, cleaned it up and fired up- working great :)
I still kinda think Mbox Mini could been a better idea for size matter, but i can't sacrifice number of inputs.

Totally satisfied today

Guestbook and comments replies

Hawon Jung — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:31:45 -0500

i just realized how bad I am to reply guestbook and comments...
well guestbook has been known- i just found few comments requested me to do some actions that i didn't ahah

I owe you an apology- Sorry.
I'll try my best to fix this problems.. although there are rarely people comments on leave guestbook
ahahah
lol

Is spring coming??

Hawon Jung — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:52:07 -0500

Oh my.. It's near end of March already.. Yet, it is snowing out side.
Seems like it's been snowing good 4 inches so far. Forecast says it'll snow about 9 inches today...
Lots of people are on spring break, ironically it's snowing a lot. Lots of flights got canceled haha.
My evil mind says yes to the snow cause i don't get a break... but I can't wait till spring. It's too cold to be March.

Apple Safari 3.1

Hawon Jung — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:38:31 -0500

Link to Safari Homepage

Both for Windows and Mac OS, Safari came out with a new version.
I haven't use much of other web browsers much recently (not even firefox) but as soon as i heard it came out, I updated it right away.
First impression of this upgrade is nothing. I stopped using firefox cause i felt Safari works lot faster than firefox. So i guess the new updates of Safari's strong points are FASTER and WEB standards support but I can't really experience either or. It seems it renders Java scripts a bit faster, but for speed wise that's it. WEB Standards.. hm.. honestly so hard to find a webpage that's solely made out of standards.. maybe all the websites that i visit is messed up lol

Oh well, as long as it works good, that's the most important thing. :)
If you never used it before! Go to link and download it! I strongly recommend this web browser

+ Only thing i wish this has is strong ad blocking function that safari has....

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Online experience.

Hawon Jung — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:21:35 -0500

I had this game for a little longer than a week now. I find myself more and more enjoying playing this game. Yes, just like any other games, I seem to find some unevenness between characters, but overall it's really amazing how easy it is to play.

This time, I'd like to talk little bit more about online experience. I've been playing online games good enough time, not that i played so much with every game that out there, I realize a bit more that Nintendo WiFi channels are little bit annoying to use.

It takes long time to actually get connected and start playing. It's not the way you create a match, and wait till people to join. It automatically pairs you with people who wants to play. Also there's no sense of how much lag i'll experience in the match. Either it lags crazy or none existed, but there's no way i can tell one match would have it or not.

Other than those two inconveniences, overall experience is pretty satisfied.
I wish i have a lot more characters though.. which would require lots of time haha..
Is there any hack out there that i can just get characters??? if you do Please let me know :)

Super Smash Bros Brawl for Wii

Hawon Jung — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:14:02 -0500

I finally got my hand on to the game last monday and finally had some time to play yesterday. I'm not really sure what has been improved from GameCube version of Super Smash but when I first played it at Tom's place on sunday
gave me strong enough impression to buy this game.

Since I was by myself, I started with solo mode. There are couple modes in solo; Classic, Adventure, Event, Stadium, and Training. Classic mode is choose a character and fight through out 9 stages of opponents and face the boss to beat the game. Fairly easy and simple, just like any versus game, you just fight through. Adventure mode has some sort of story line attached to it, i played for 3 hours and only cleared 13% of the story lines.. I'm not sure i'll contiunally do this one or not. It takes toooooo long.

The best thing about this game is of course the brawl mode and WII WiFi connectivity. It brings full potential of this game. I haven't tried wifi channel yet. Hope it does not lag or anything like that. So all my friends can play together w/out gather up at one place to play. One thin i wish is oline mode can play more than 4 players, but i heard the limit is 4 :(

If you want to have some fun with your friends, I highly recommend this game. By yourself? Not sure.... Of course really good game to kill time, but not certainly to enjoy a lot while playing your own.

5 out 5, that's my score to this game :)

10,000 BC

Hawon Jung — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:48:41 -0500

To whoever have some sort of expectation, I'd suggest do not read this review.

One sentence to sum up all I have to say is DO NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE at movie theater. Wait till DVD comes out haha
Overall impression of this movie is they put many different movies into one moviel
Such as Matrix, 300, Brave Heart, and etc- Throughout the movie lots of non-senses were in there (even time frame wasn't matching to scenese...) and even the story line's hard to follow.

Even for pure entertainment, I do not know i'd recommend this movie.

2 out of 5...

Monday

Hawon Jung — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:32:52 -0600

Probably every monday is the worst day to many people out of a week. YES, i also do not like monday much cause every single monday i'm really tired and do not want to go to work. haha
Guess what's worst of all?

GOING TO WORK WHEN EVERYONE ELSE HAVE A DAY OFF ON MONDAY
Due to president day most of the schools are closed and good handful of places closed down.... but I got to go to work =\ hope the time flies by fast

The best drive I ever seen in football

Hawon Jung — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:50:34 -0600

Alright, don't get me wrong- This might not the best one every out there but my 5 years of watching football I haven't seen this good of drive yet-

Isn't this amazing????
I still can't get over with this year's super bowl. Hopefully next year, I'll see my Bears playing again and brings the trophy to Chicago!

2008 NBA All Star Game

Hawon Jung — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:44:16 -0600

I haven't followed NBA a lot recently. All the trade talks and etc., more than anything NBA became a lot less entertaining than used to be. Today was NBA all star game and I watched the game with church people today. More than anything, I was really amused at LeBron James. I can't believe he's 23. HE IS AN YEAR younger than me. Dwight Howard is crazy too- He did definitely great job on dunk contest yesterday (yes he won it), through out the all star game him and LeBron James duo's dunk show kinda made me interested in NBA again..

I'm so behind, have a lot to catch up-
All those trade talks and all the players in different teams..
I don't know how long it will take me but I'll definitely try to catch up. Cause this all star game was very ENTERTAINING!!!
oh well, i know that this will go away once MLB starts again though haha
I had really good time watching a sports game since the Super Bowl.

도대체 무슨 생각인지...

Hawon Jung — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:41:42 -0600

오늘 눈이 엄청 내린다- 충분히 내릴 만큼 내려 눈치우는 차들이 소금을 많이 뿌려도, 계속 치워도 계속 싸이고, 족히 2~3ft은 벌써 싸여서 운전하기도 힘든데, 도대체 무슨 생각들인지.. porsche, Mercedes Benz CLK65, Mustang등 >.< RWD차들 몰고다니는 사람들은 무슨 생각을 하고 있는건지.... 그차들 피하느라 다른 차들이 사고가 더 많이 날뻔했다 >.< 무슨생각들인지... 차가 아깝다!

날씨 >.<

Hawon Jung — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:15:50 -0600

낮에는 50도에 비였는데 지금은 8도 snow storm.. 새벽에 영하 2도까지 내려갈 예상.
장난하니?? 너무 추워지자나!!!

Resident Evil: Extinction

Hawon Jung — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:54:57 -0600

It was good that I did not expect anything, it wasn't that bad at all..
I have not played game in a long time so i do not know how much they sticked to the movie BUT it was entertaining enough.
Just few curiosity, it didn't connect at all from second one at all. Where the heck those convoys from?? When Alice found those survivors in Salt Lake city, how were they surviving?? in the beginning Alice were saying she had to keep moving, can't settle down due to zombies keep coming to get them.
Lots of non-senses, but other as far as enjoyment, it was pretty good

It was pretty good to watch it w/out any purpose, a good time killing movie-
If you trying to get something out of it, I strongly suggest/recommend you not to watch it
My score to this movie 3.5/5

Nintendo Wii-

Hawon Jung — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 02:10:58 -0600

I wanted Wii, but i didn't know I'd buy it suddenly like this.
Pastor Ko asked me to look for a Wii for her daughter Mia. I didn't get a chance to look around for one, but i this past Wednesday, one of my co-worker asked me to go eat at Old Country Buffet.
As about to went into the OCB, a Game Stop store was right next to the OCB. I didn't even went in all the way, I just opened the door and asked "Do you have any Wii system?" The worker replied simply "Yes I do have it."
I wasn't expecting any other answer than "No", so I walked in and asking few more questions.
He told me they just got bunch in.
I bought one, and i kinda wanted buy one for myself, since my sister told me that she'd get me one as late Christmas and Birthday gift, i asked for second one.
Same time store manager came out and said i can't get two. Luckily my co-worker is very fast and brilliant, he simply said "Then get me one, I'll buy it"

So i got my hand on Wii for myself, but since buying two- i didnt' have any money to buy other games other than getting Wii play so i can have two controllers-

So far, playing for 2~3 days, my impression for this game console is absolutely amazing- It is really fun to play with friends, but by myself it isn't that fun- I get bored out very quickly
Few games i wish that Wii has, a real baseball game, a good racing game, and a good first person shooting game. I'm extremely happy about my purchase- ahah- I LOVE IT!

이제는 앞으로 나가야할 시간

Hawon Jung — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:30:21 -0600

요즘 정말 많은 생각을 해본다..
이제 정말 앞으로 나가야 할 시간이라는건 점점더 확실해져오고
그러나 어디로 어떻게 발을 내딛여야 하는지 정말 모르겠다
i really should start praying about it :)
혼란스러운 시기다-

next 10 days forecast

Hawon Jung — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:44:20 -0600

장난아니게 춥다... 감기조심해야지
눈도 많이오고.. 장갑은 어디있지??
이번 봄엔 꼭 눈치우는 기계를 사고 말테야-

2008년 첫글-

Hawon Jung — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:55:44 -0600

상당히 늦은 첫글이다
그리 바쁘지도 않아놓구선-
자주 글 올리도록 해볼까 라는 매년 헛된 다짐을 하지만...
실행할지는 미지수!

아아아아주 많이 늦었지만
다들 새해 복 많이 받으세요!