Xander ✺
@spectralcodex.com
Front-end developer (React/TypeScript/Astro), biogeography grad, history and map enthusiast, leftoid/anti-fascist, Wikipedia supporter. Non-American resident of Taichung, Taiwan 🐙
🕸 https://spectralcodex.com
🕸 https://spectralcodex.com
Spectral Codex just surpassed 5,000 mapped locations, most of them here in #Taiwan. Historical sites, abandoned places, photo hotspots, and more. Hundreds already include photos and field notes; many others are still simple stubs, awaiting further documentation.
👁️ spectralcodex.com
👁️ spectralcodex.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Spectral Codex just surpassed 5,000 mapped locations, most of them here in #Taiwan. Historical sites, abandoned places, photo hotspots, and more. Hundreds already include photos and field notes; many others are still simple stubs, awaiting further documentation.
👁️ spectralcodex.com
👁️ spectralcodex.com
Reposted by Xander ✺
Reinventing Kaohsiung: Taiwan’s port city transcends its industrial past
www.scmp.com/week-asia/op...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/op...
Opinion | Reinventing Kaohsiung: Taiwan’s port city transcends its industrial past
From shipyards and smokestacks to a smart, green metropolis, Kaohsiung shows urban renewal can succeed in the unlikeliest of places.
www.scmp.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Reinventing Kaohsiung: Taiwan’s port city transcends its industrial past
www.scmp.com/week-asia/op...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/op...
Reposted by Xander ✺
I whipped up a new post/newsletter extra for the Hayli Gubbi eruption. First time I've had to post an extra edition! #volcano #eruption eruptions.beehiiv.com/p/eruptions-...
Eruptions Newsletter Extra for November 23, 2025
Unexpected eruption from Hayli Gubbi in Ethiopia.
eruptions.beehiiv.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:16 PM
I whipped up a new post/newsletter extra for the Hayli Gubbi eruption. First time I've had to post an extra edition! #volcano #eruption eruptions.beehiiv.com/p/eruptions-...
Reposted by Xander ✺
There’s a very surreal conversation I keep having on here where people seem unable to hold two ideas at the same time, and I’m not sure why. It’s simply true that the Big AI platforms like ChatGPT are:
1. Extremely bad for society, in many ways.
2. Very genuinely popular with lots of people.
1. Extremely bad for society, in many ways.
2. Very genuinely popular with lots of people.
November 18, 2025 at 4:59 PM
There’s a very surreal conversation I keep having on here where people seem unable to hold two ideas at the same time, and I’m not sure why. It’s simply true that the Big AI platforms like ChatGPT are:
1. Extremely bad for society, in many ways.
2. Very genuinely popular with lots of people.
1. Extremely bad for society, in many ways.
2. Very genuinely popular with lots of people.
Reposted by Xander ✺
Even the down detector website is down 😆
November 18, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Even the down detector website is down 😆
Reposted by Xander ✺
23,857 births were registered in Hong Kong for the first 9 months of 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 10.2%.
With 3 months remaining, there is a significant possibility that the total births in 2025 will be the fewest in one year since the end of World War II
With 3 months remaining, there is a significant possibility that the total births in 2025 will be the fewest in one year since the end of World War II
November 18, 2025 at 2:57 AM
23,857 births were registered in Hong Kong for the first 9 months of 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 10.2%.
With 3 months remaining, there is a significant possibility that the total births in 2025 will be the fewest in one year since the end of World War II
With 3 months remaining, there is a significant possibility that the total births in 2025 will be the fewest in one year since the end of World War II
Reposted by Xander ✺
Pope Leo absolutely cooking
November 16, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Pope Leo absolutely cooking
Reposted by Xander ✺
'Taiwan's average temp in Oct reached 27.4°C, the highest for the month since records began in 1951, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said on Friday. According to the CWA, last month's average temp was 2.2° higher than the long-term October average of 25.2°'
focustaiwan.tw/society/2025...
focustaiwan.tw/society/2025...
Taiwan's October average temperature hits 27.4°C, highest on record: CWA - Focus Taiwan
Taiwan's average temperature in October reached 27.4 degrees Celsius, the highest for the month since records began in 1951, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said on Friday.
focustaiwan.tw
November 8, 2025 at 11:37 AM
'Taiwan's average temp in Oct reached 27.4°C, the highest for the month since records began in 1951, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said on Friday. According to the CWA, last month's average temp was 2.2° higher than the long-term October average of 25.2°'
focustaiwan.tw/society/2025...
focustaiwan.tw/society/2025...
Reposted by Xander ✺
This visualization of Japan’s M6.8 yesterday is phenomenal. Offshore S-net detected it and issued earthquake alert before any land station detection. Numbered circles show JMA intensity (not same as MMI). Offshore is where we need to be in Cascadia as well.
The underwater seismometer network is so great, as evidenced from yesterday's EQ off-Tohoku.
Reposting unofficial visualization by x.com/kotoho76/sta...
Reposting unofficial visualization by x.com/kotoho76/sta...
November 10, 2025 at 4:10 PM
This visualization of Japan’s M6.8 yesterday is phenomenal. Offshore S-net detected it and issued earthquake alert before any land station detection. Numbered circles show JMA intensity (not same as MMI). Offshore is where we need to be in Cascadia as well.
Reposted by Xander ✺
New KMT Chair Cheng Li-wen attends memorial event for White Terror victims organized by pro-unification group. The event honored, among many others, convicted and executed CCP spy General Wu Shi, whom the CPP named a Revolutionary Martyr in 1973.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
Memorial not focused on spy: KMT’s Cheng - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:00 AM
New KMT Chair Cheng Li-wen attends memorial event for White Terror victims organized by pro-unification group. The event honored, among many others, convicted and executed CCP spy General Wu Shi, whom the CPP named a Revolutionary Martyr in 1973.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
A map of population decline in Taiwan from 1980 to 2020 from an article by Di Hu in the International Journal of Geo-Information. Local populations sometimes peaked in the 1960s, particularly in eastern Taiwan, so that decline is already baked-in by 1980. Not surprised to see Yunlin here!
November 8, 2025 at 8:34 PM
A map of population decline in Taiwan from 1980 to 2020 from an article by Di Hu in the International Journal of Geo-Information. Local populations sometimes peaked in the 1960s, particularly in eastern Taiwan, so that decline is already baked-in by 1980. Not surprised to see Yunlin here!
Mong Tong's Taiwan Mystery II features a montage of unusual architecture and occult phenomena from around the country. It was released along with an art book featuring photos and imagery from many of these sites. The music is also really great; dreamy instrumental psychrock. youtu.be/kwHcZaPLl58?...
Mong Tong - Taiwan Mystery II
YouTube video by Mong Tong
youtu.be
November 8, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Mong Tong's Taiwan Mystery II features a montage of unusual architecture and occult phenomena from around the country. It was released along with an art book featuring photos and imagery from many of these sites. The music is also really great; dreamy instrumental psychrock. youtu.be/kwHcZaPLl58?...
Reposted by Xander ✺
If you prefer using interpolated "early-arriving" model tracks for tropical cyclones (last cycle's models interpolated to this cycle, then compared against the official JTWC/NHC forecast made using these guidance), I've replicated this method on my site:
polarwx.com/tropical/?st...
polarwx.com/tropical/?st...
November 6, 2025 at 4:32 PM
If you prefer using interpolated "early-arriving" model tracks for tropical cyclones (last cycle's models interpolated to this cycle, then compared against the official JTWC/NHC forecast made using these guidance), I've replicated this method on my site:
polarwx.com/tropical/?st...
polarwx.com/tropical/?st...
Reposted by Xander ✺
Check out @jordynhaime.bsky.social on "Taiwan's Israel Charm Offensive" in the latest issue of her newsletter.
"Now let’s turn to what has been absent from Taiwan’s messaging: any acknowledgement of the accusations of starvation and genocide of the Palestinian people by the Israeli government."
"Now let’s turn to what has been absent from Taiwan’s messaging: any acknowledgement of the accusations of starvation and genocide of the Palestinian people by the Israeli government."
Taiwan's Israel Charm Offensive
Taiwan's appeal to AIPAC is disappointing, but comes as no surprise
jordynhaime.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Check out @jordynhaime.bsky.social on "Taiwan's Israel Charm Offensive" in the latest issue of her newsletter.
"Now let’s turn to what has been absent from Taiwan’s messaging: any acknowledgement of the accusations of starvation and genocide of the Palestinian people by the Israeli government."
"Now let’s turn to what has been absent from Taiwan’s messaging: any acknowledgement of the accusations of starvation and genocide of the Palestinian people by the Israeli government."
Reposted by Xander ✺
Taiwan's plan to set up mission in Estonia hits wall over name
@matejsimalcik.bsky.social explains why the dispute over a name reveals much deeper tensions in Europe–Taiwan relations, haunted by 🇨🇳’s retaliation against Lithuania. ⤵️ 1/5
🔗 asia.nikkei.com/politics/int...
✍️ @thomchau.bsky.social
@matejsimalcik.bsky.social explains why the dispute over a name reveals much deeper tensions in Europe–Taiwan relations, haunted by 🇨🇳’s retaliation against Lithuania. ⤵️ 1/5
🔗 asia.nikkei.com/politics/int...
✍️ @thomchau.bsky.social
Taiwan's plan to set up mission in Estonia hits wall over name
China's past retaliation against Lithuania for engaging with Taipei haunts Europe
asia.nikkei.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Taiwan's plan to set up mission in Estonia hits wall over name
@matejsimalcik.bsky.social explains why the dispute over a name reveals much deeper tensions in Europe–Taiwan relations, haunted by 🇨🇳’s retaliation against Lithuania. ⤵️ 1/5
🔗 asia.nikkei.com/politics/int...
✍️ @thomchau.bsky.social
@matejsimalcik.bsky.social explains why the dispute over a name reveals much deeper tensions in Europe–Taiwan relations, haunted by 🇨🇳’s retaliation against Lithuania. ⤵️ 1/5
🔗 asia.nikkei.com/politics/int...
✍️ @thomchau.bsky.social
Flashback to 2013 when gonzo Taiwanese news animators covered the Rob Ford crack video scandal. Too bad they stopped producing new content around 2018. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VzL...
Rob Ford's crack smoking video finally found by police!
YouTube video by TomoNews Funnies
www.youtube.com
November 2, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Flashback to 2013 when gonzo Taiwanese news animators covered the Rob Ford crack video scandal. Too bad they stopped producing new content around 2018. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VzL...
Reposted by Xander ✺
German broadcaster DW interviewed the new chair of the KMT, Cheng Li-wen. Cheng says that the 3% of GDP defense budget is excessive, calls Putin a democratically elected leader, and that NATO is to blame for Russia's war against Ukraine.
Here are some gems (?) from the interview:
Here are some gems (?) from the interview:
October 31, 2025 at 4:14 PM
German broadcaster DW interviewed the new chair of the KMT, Cheng Li-wen. Cheng says that the 3% of GDP defense budget is excessive, calls Putin a democratically elected leader, and that NATO is to blame for Russia's war against Ukraine.
Here are some gems (?) from the interview:
Here are some gems (?) from the interview:
Reposted by Xander ✺
I don't think it really matters that much which orthography one uses, as long as it is used consistently. The big problem in Taiwan is that it is still a mishmash of at least 5 of these systems.
But there are some things I wish people did keep in mind:
But there are some things I wish people did keep in mind:
Has anyone ever attempted a Mandarin transcription system alignment chart? 🍿
October 31, 2025 at 6:15 AM
I don't think it really matters that much which orthography one uses, as long as it is used consistently. The big problem in Taiwan is that it is still a mishmash of at least 5 of these systems.
But there are some things I wish people did keep in mind:
But there are some things I wish people did keep in mind:
A few snapshots from my travels today:
1) A recently restored Japanese colonial building suspected to be a former brothel (青雲閣)
2) Entrance to Qingshan Temple, Monga
3) A former 1980s cinema converted into a scooter parking garage
4) A semi-abandoned (yet inaccessible) commercial complex in Zhubei
1) A recently restored Japanese colonial building suspected to be a former brothel (青雲閣)
2) Entrance to Qingshan Temple, Monga
3) A former 1980s cinema converted into a scooter parking garage
4) A semi-abandoned (yet inaccessible) commercial complex in Zhubei
October 30, 2025 at 10:36 AM
A few snapshots from my travels today:
1) A recently restored Japanese colonial building suspected to be a former brothel (青雲閣)
2) Entrance to Qingshan Temple, Monga
3) A former 1980s cinema converted into a scooter parking garage
4) A semi-abandoned (yet inaccessible) commercial complex in Zhubei
1) A recently restored Japanese colonial building suspected to be a former brothel (青雲閣)
2) Entrance to Qingshan Temple, Monga
3) A former 1980s cinema converted into a scooter parking garage
4) A semi-abandoned (yet inaccessible) commercial complex in Zhubei
Spent 393 NT on a GoShare ride this afternoon... should have sprung for the daypass (399 NT)! I snagged the scooter just outside Hsinchu HSR and drove downtown... admittedly with the usual assortment of detours and distractions. Still, it really adds up!
October 30, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Spent 393 NT on a GoShare ride this afternoon... should have sprung for the daypass (399 NT)! I snagged the scooter just outside Hsinchu HSR and drove downtown... admittedly with the usual assortment of detours and distractions. Still, it really adds up!
Snapshots from a quick visit to Hawaii Cinema (โรงหนังฮาวาย) in Bangkok. Despite the abandoned appearance it was still operational when I visited in 2018, though it wasn't showing conventional films. From a scan of reviews on Google Maps it might finally be out of business as of 2025. #TheaterHunt
October 28, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Snapshots from a quick visit to Hawaii Cinema (โรงหนังฮาวาย) in Bangkok. Despite the abandoned appearance it was still operational when I visited in 2018, though it wasn't showing conventional films. From a scan of reviews on Google Maps it might finally be out of business as of 2025. #TheaterHunt
Reposted by Xander ✺
If current forecasts hold, Melissa will be the most powerful hurricane ever to strike Jamaica. Sustained winds at landfall may top 140 mph, along with localized rains of 40"+ and major storm surge. Here's my latest update with @drjeffmasters.bsky.social:
yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/10/meli...
yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/10/meli...
Melissa leaps from tropical storm to Category 4 hurricane in 18 hours » Yale Climate Connections
Catastrophic impacts are becoming increasingly likely for Jamaica, with Melissa expected to crash onshore by early Tuesday.
yaleclimateconnections.org
October 26, 2025 at 7:16 PM
If current forecasts hold, Melissa will be the most powerful hurricane ever to strike Jamaica. Sustained winds at landfall may top 140 mph, along with localized rains of 40"+ and major storm surge. Here's my latest update with @drjeffmasters.bsky.social:
yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/10/meli...
yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/10/meli...
Reposted by Xander ✺
Nüwa, the primordial mother in Chinese #mythology, shaped humans from yellow clay: some molded by hand, others flung from her rope. When the sky split after a clash of gods, she rose again, not in fury, but in care. Melting five-colored stones, she sealed the heavens and 1/2
October 26, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Nüwa, the primordial mother in Chinese #mythology, shaped humans from yellow clay: some molded by hand, others flung from her rope. When the sky split after a clash of gods, she rose again, not in fury, but in care. Melting five-colored stones, she sealed the heavens and 1/2