OK, so Hyatt asks me ...

to post on his blog and I pay a visit to see what it's about. It's called Rank and so I choose an appropriate handle. Now I go to look at previous posts and the first one I see after DogOfTheSouth's is about the RANKing of universities in Asia. Now I think I understand what blogging is about. I will begin.

Ranking of my favorite Taiwanese politicians:

1. Chiu Yi
2. Lee Ching-hua
3. Sisy Chen

I also like many rank-and-file politicians. Since this is Taiwan, I should say so-called rank-and-file politicians. Hyatt is sure to be wondering why he ever invited me to post. I just know my position is falling in his rankings. I'll try harder.

Taiwan's Universities compared with other Asian institutions.

This is interesting.

More on Bird Flu ...

Chinese authorities use human vaccines on birds, now the strain is far more resistant. More in this Washington Post article.

The Long Goodbye ....

Many of Rank's diehard fan's already know why the site has been somewhat lackluster as of late. I'm making preparations to leave Taiwan, and in the course of trying to get things done to cross the Pacific again, I have little time these days to devote to the blog.

I've discussed keeping Rank open, and keeping it centered on Taiwan by trying to mollycoddle or goad a couple of people who are sure to make this blog even more interesting and pertinent than it has been during my tenure.

The idea of talking the blog with me strikes me as counterintuitive. The readers we have come here because they want to keep up with events in Taiwan and read a bit of punditry while they're here. Because I'm still obsessed with the medium, I may very well start up another one when I get settled in the states. And perhaps I'll insist that Rank list it in the blogroll. I'll keep you posted.

Excellent ...

Feiren saves the otherwise blogless day by bringing this link to our attention! Thank you sir!

To the dogs.

Media coverage of dogcathers in Keelung has prompted an uproar from animal rights activists. The wire "collars" and the cavalier methods that the catchers use often result in injury or death for the animals. Public pressure and education for county and city employees that deal with animals would be a good way to begin addressing these problems.

Sometimes earnest efforts fail to convey the gravitas intended. In a letter to the Taipei Times, a writer asks the central government to address the problems with national reform. The flourish is at the end of the letter when we find it comes from the "International Alliance for Taiwan Dogs, Sante Fe, New Mexico."

Any suggestions?

Here's US President George Bush at a recent press conference talking about Taiwan and China: "China is a -- obviously, there's tension on -- about Taiwan that we have to deal with. And I made my position very clear and very consistent about Taiwan. The Taiwanese understand my position; the Chinese understand my position. So, in this case, the relationship is one of helping to solve that problem, is to keeping stability in the region so that eventually there will be a peaceful solution to that issue."

Now my question is, do we understand his position? I thought I did during the beginning of his first term when he said on ABC News that he would do "whatever it takes" to protect Taiwan. Now, however, after Colin Powell's remarks in China last year, one is led to believe that the US and the State Department are reevaluating the Taiwan issue. I guess we're back to clear and consistent studied ambiguity.

That was a fright.

Around 12:30am we had a good shake from moving tectonic plates. A 6.0 on the Richter scale, but only a 3.0 here in Taipei city. More here.

The opposition makes political hay out of gang leader's funeral.

Legislators are upbraiding government officials for allowing the massive funeral for one of Taiwan's most notorious crime figures. Click here. (The site is counterintuitive, so you have to scroll down to get to the story.)

Best Farkin Blues Band in Town.

Okay I need a refresher course in how to be cool. I'm getting old. Nevertheless, check out the Muddy Basin Ramblers. In the links section you toads.