Fili’s world

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Westerners’ view of Taiwan

I’ve been reading the westerners forums for quite a while now, and I find the weirdest discussions that one can possibly imagine. Here are a few examples :

my del.icio.us

Some gorgeous Taiwan pictures from Tealit (Link)

[Since I'm studying in TLI, things like this post make me nervous]

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What’s happening in Taiwan

(Small note - It’s strange how it sometimes seems like all Taiwanese issues can be closely related to issues back at Israel)

China - I don’t fully comprehend the whole issue, and might therefore get in trouble for even referring to the issue, so I’ll be very delicate. The greens, who are in favor of independence from China, have lost the local elections to the blues, who are promoting relations with China. All I’ll say is that I’m looking forward to trying to understand the blue position better. I don’t get it. (Link)

China 2 - It’s unbelievable how sensitive the China-Taiwan relations are and the small everyday struggles that occur. I bet you’ve been wondering what’s going to happen in Beijin 2008 Olympic games with Taiwan? (Link)

Earthquakes - Even since I’ve been here I felt at least 3 earthquakes. Asking the locals about it is usually replied with a suggestion that I’m imagining it, but I know that my fellow westerners were as horrified as I was after each of them. Apparently, there’s a worry in Taipei about the possibility of the 101 tallest tower in the world causing this uprise in earthquakes. Weird stuff (Link)

History - What really happened in Taiwan? What is history and who gets to define it? Interesting how history perception is adjusted according to political changes (Link)

Unemployment - Unemployment rate of 4%? Is this for real or just a game with statistics? (Link)

Professional Crying? - Maybe I’m looking for the wrong kind of job (Link)

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Israeli music

I’ve been doing my best lately to keep up with some of the things that I’ve missed since I left Israel. So, it’s great having my own computer to mess around with and being able to catch up. So, here are some thing I just listen to over and over again… (I take no responsibility what so ever for the links provided… I just link to another site. As far as I’m concerned - if you wanna try this out then go buy the CDs )

Eviatar Banai, "Standing on paper" - Eviatar’s the best thing that’s ever happened in Israeli music. I mean that.

Daniel Salomon, "many ways (to love you)" - Daniel’s soft melodies and emotional vocals

House of Dolls (or Doll house) - The ultimate Israeli backpacker’s tracks

Metropolin - An unexpected wonderful surprise. Haven’t quite heard anything like that before. 

Idan Reichel’s From the Depth - 

[And... well, maybe they're not Israeli - but, damn... Coldplay's latest...]

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