• Rich Matheson on the origins of the Bajiajiang.
• Jim visits Shanchiao Elementary School in Miaoli.
• Shuflies reports on the best macaroons in Taipei.
• Carrie interviews Matt Gibson, the publisher of Xpat Magazine.
• David attends the Amis community end of year celebration in Sanying.
• Two for Tainan: The Tainan City Guide with information on the Golden Beach and Wandering Taiwan visits Tainan’s Anping Tree House.
• The Far-Eastern Sweet Potato reports that the arms sale will not affect ECFA talks.

EVENTS: Taipei Big Street New Year Shopping Festival January 29 through February 12. Freak Out Beast a free indie music concert runs February 6-7 outside Ximending’s Red Theater. Taipei Game Show February 5-9.  Taipei Artists Exhibit February 9 through 27.  Cosplay at NTU February 20-21.