End.

Although it's been plainly obvious to those who still actually read this thing, I'm deading this blog as of now. The original reason for writing it (living in Taiwan) is gone, and now that I'm back home I've been principally using it to highlight things I like and as a brainstorming device. Both of those current reasons are lame: friends, you know what I like and journaling in an actual journal is a much more effective creativity-starter. I'll keep it open, mainly so I can selfishly peruse through my-life-in Taiwan and China moments, but there'll be no more new posts.

Thanks for reading everybody!

MIDI Shanghai off

MIDI Shanghai off

MIDI is a giant, very cool rock music festival that happens in Beijing every year. Looks like there was supposed to be a Shanghai edition in 2008. It's now off, perhaps due to concerns over Bjork's comments and rising worldwide protests. Unfortunately, this is the kind of thing that happens when the CCP gets nervous: any liberalism that was sprouting gets shut down. It's a natural reaction, I suppose, but an unfortunate one all the same.

Rodigan!

Kurtis Foster

Kurtis, the only NHL hockey player from Carp, Ontario, broke his leg during a game against the San Jose Sharks, last Friday night. The injury came from him back checking, trying to get the icing, and the opposing player pushed him into the boards. A dangerous, high speed collision, in other words. You can read about it here, in a story that also highlights the class of Kurt: http://www.mercurynews.com/sportsheadlines/ci_8660192

My condolences to Kurt and his family. Come back strong next year.

Better ideas make better music; more hype, Toronto

NOW Magazine's cover story this week is about Toronto hip hop. And guess what the angle is? The music here is really good ... but... but... no one listens to it for a variety of reasons. Oh, poor, Toronto MCs, you're so hard done by... wah ... wah... wahhhh. Or for the reader, who has heard this for the last, oh, ten years, it is snooze.. snooze.. snooze.

Whether or not local hip hop is truly slept on, this narrative is the Toronto hip hop story. And it is a bad story. Yes, I feel a little bit of guilt and a little bit sympathy for the MC. Yet neither of these emotions make me want to listen to the music. In fact it makes me want to avoid it at all costs. It makes me think of underground, indie rap and in 2008, that is a bad word. Trends moved on a long time ago. So please, MCs and journalists, come up with another story or angle. How about: Toronto's new hip hop artists, blowing up? Rocking shows? Wow! Everyone should go, 'cause already it's the biggest thing in far off bars in Parkdale... or whatever... hype builds hype. Even if the hype isn't true.

Also on a completely different matter, Taiwan's presidential elections are happening right now. If the polls are correct, the Nine Horses will ride again! Taipei Times

Tibet, Tibet, Tibet...

Mati Si, Gansu province, Western China (aka. pretty close to Tibet)

Perhaps you are following the Tibetan riots with interest? I am. Well, as I've previously posted, a lot of reporting in China is misguided and lazy. There are two most excellent websites that I often like to read:

James Fallows' blog on The Atlantic. Mr. Fallows is an insightful political commentator who actually lives in China. His residency there gives him a lot more access than anyone else. The blog is light and quick. His articles, though, are great. You can read them on the website, too, as previously noted.

Shanghaiist. Dan and his crew run an awesome blog. It puts Torontoist to shame (sorry, city). A lot of the news is geared towards living in Shanghai. The main thing of interest for part time readers, then, is their commentary on Western news about China. Often, they add the Chinese point of view as well, and end up lampooning both sides with their sarcastic, cynical view of the world. They live in China - you'd be cynical, too.

Susan in the National Post!

Yes, we need some Mr. Vegas to celebrate the good news: Susan will be in the National Post tomorrow, March 17th. BlogTO and the National Post have a deal where some of the blog's restaurant reviews are later published in the newspaper. Susan's review of Pachira restaurant was chosen. You can read the review on BlogTO here (also, when you stop by, make sure to read the news of the Comfort Zone being busted. Dayum) . But even if you read the electronic copy, get yourself a piece of this historic moment and buy yourself a newspaper.

Internet on a snowy, snowy day

Stay away from the Internet on the weekend, folks. You have too much time on your hands with no plans. With no plans, you just surf there, learn a little bit here, and before you know it, two hours is gone. You could've spent those two hours learning another language, or how to ride a bike. Not read Stuff White People Like (no matter how awesome it is, learning French would still be better). Look at me, I've just spent half an hour trying to learn how to get my ratio up. What good will that do me?

Ack, but on a day like today, the real world is too depressing. March 8th and there's a huge snowstorm outside. For all my Canadian expats, see below for why you left Canada:






The above pictures were taken this morning. The snow hasn't stopped all afternoon. It is now much, much worse.

Nonetheless, it is March and I'm starting to feel good about the coming Spring. Surely it can only be right around the corner. Plus, the spring is when the awesomeness of Chatelaine's newly redesigned and bigger than ever May issue is revealed upon the world. The Editors and designers are probably working on it right now. On April 10th, make sure to go out and get a copy for yourself.