David on Formosa

• Fili analyses the top Taiwan blogs.
• Claudia Jean on more concerns about the future of the Talking Show.
• Jerome Keating compares Freedom House’s rankings of Taiwan and China.
• Paul Katz at China Beat describes the Lantern Festival in Taiwan. In 2009 it begins on 9 February.
• A-gu notes two interesting motions passed in the Legislature.
• Taiwanderful interviews with Carrie, Mouse Eared Kiwi and Tim Maddog.
• Fool’s Mountain on Taiwan’s alternative music scene.
• Taiwan Echo says prosecutor’s skit is a discrimination issue.
• Michael Turton looks at a paper on Taiwanese universities and globalisation.
• The Daily Bubble Tea visits Sun Moon Lake.
• Wild Strawberries interviewed on KPFT Human Rights Show.
• Joshua Samuel Brown on being small in Taiwan.
• Michella visits Little Liuqiu.

Events: Aboriginal Invitational Live Music in Pingdong County on 26-27 January.

In the news: Finally some good news from the Legislative Yuan: bill passed to outlaw human trafficking and residency for Thai/Burmese students and Tibetans approved (more on this in the Taiwan Journal). However, the Legislature was forced to hold an extra session and was criticised by Citizen Congress Watch and in a Taipei Times editorial.

In the Asia Times Stephen Nelson writes dark days have returned. In the Financial Times David Pilling writes that Chen Shui-bian’s trial is a test for Taiwan’s democracy. The Taipei Times and Taiwan News both have editorials scathing prosecutors and judges who mocked Chen Shui-bian. Ma’s mentor Jerome Cohen again expresses his concern about Taiwan’s justice system.

June Tsai on happy life at the Losheng Sanitorium. Hit film Cape No. 7 to be released in China on Valentine’s Day. Taiwan coffee chain 85度C’s sea salt coffee gets international attention. Taiwanese scientists develop a computer controlled gear system for bicycles. Steven Crook on Taiwan’s world class hiking.