North Korea shells the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong killing two soldiers and two civilians. This! only months after they torpedoed the South Korean submarine Cheonan killing several people. Koreans seem to take these raised tensions more easily than I do. They have been living with them for years, I guess.

There are airbases around Daegu, and when these exchanges arise, there is a definite increase in the number of fighter jets streaking across the city. If you are in class, you have to stop while they pass, because you can't be heard over their roar. They are like lions of the sky. But you can put up with this disturbance-- it is good to know that the planes are there. I find myself for the first time thankful for America's global military presence. It is something I haven't though about much, but have probably held the unexpressed opinion that it was unnecessary. If ever I express such an opinion, it will now be a more subtle one.

Opting today though for bluntness over subtlety, I go over to Tommy's office and bang on the door.

"Come in."

"You would like that, wouldn't you!" I accuse, opening his door.

"I tolerate it." He corrects.

Ignoring his comment, a social technique I take infinite satisfaction in, I continue, "Did you have anything to do with these North Korean bombs?"

"I didn't." He claims. "I hear it was shells. Not bombs."

"Likely story Tommy. They blew up buildings. That's a bomb."

"They are both incendiary- shells and bombs. I think the difference has something to do with delivery."

"You're incendiary." I rejoin. "You seem to be fairly in the know for someone who had nothing to do with it. Where do you get your information from? Your friend Jong Il?"

"It's all over the news."

"Likely story, Tommy." I yell. "Just keep your damn shells out of my office!" I slam his door as I leave.

I'm not sure if this exchange will help defuse the rising tension between the Koreas. I cannot say whether or not I deserve special commendation for it; though I do believe it very strongly. What I can, and do, say, is that I have at least given Denmark pause if they are considering supporting North Korea in any further actions. Or at the very least, I have given one Dane pause.