What Scares Asians Most? Checklist

Source: FilmCritic

Spend enough time watching Asian movies, and you come to the inevitable conclusion that Asians really really really hate ghosts. Unlike American ghosts, which, as you know, simply wear white sheets over their heads and float around harmlessly, Asian ghosts can inhabit anyone or anything, and they usually have some sort of terrible revenge on their minds. But it's not just ghosts. Even the most cursory survey of the weird and wonderful Asian horror genre reveals that Asians are scared of just about everything -- paper products, puppets, elevators... and even the weather. What scares Asians most? Here's our checklist:

Telephones - the ringtone of death!
Cameras - a ghost's aura on Polaroid film
Electricity - haunted gadgets
Eyeballs - cornea transplant
Wigs - evil hairpieces
Real Estate - haunted house
Water - drip drip drip
Stationery - death note
Needles - poke
Pollution - illegal dumping
High School Students - cute assassins

Which of these scare you the most? Anything else you'd like add to the list?

Asian Ripoff XXXI - She Bangs

Artist: Rina Chinen
Language: Japanese

I guess Ricky Martin really was popular earlier this decade. Maybe a little too popular.


Youtube Link

Teen faces charges for 'ring and run' at girl's home

Source: Mainichi

KYOTO -- An 18-year-old part-time worker faces charges for repeatedly ringing the door bell at the home of a junior high school girl here and running away late at night, police said Tuesday.

Police sent an investigation report to prosecutors on Tuesday, accusing the youth of violating a Kyoto prefectural ordinance prohibiting people from creating a nuisance. His name is being withheld under the Juvenile Law.

He admitted to the allegations during questioning. "I heard that the girl said I was arrogant, so I wanted to harass her," he was quoted as telling investigators.

Getting revenge by ringing a doorbell? I thought you got revenge by punching someone in the face or videotape them for later use.

He's probably sitting at the police station thinking.. I'm arrested for this? I should at least made it worth it.

Zebra crossing for lovers

Source: Ananova

Traffic officials in Chengdu came up with the idea for the crossing which features two hearts and the message in English: "I love you", reports the Tianfu Morning Post.

A spokesman said the local traffic bureau wanted to give the crossing a romantic atmosphere because it was close to the Hejiang Pavilion, a popular dating venue for young couples.

"We want to make everybody who walks on it feel warmth and love from others," said the spokesman, adding that it was believed to be the first crossing of its kind in the whole country.

"We have two wishes - one, that all who walk on it experience long-lasting love and, two, that they obey traffic rules and cross safely."

Tourist Liang Xuemei, from Hainan, asked her friend to pull over and take pictures after spotting the crossing during a tour of the city: "It looks very welcoming," she said.

Living here in the "west" sometimes we forget little things like this. In our hectic lifestyle, we sometimes forget to take romantic walks and spend time with our lover.

But walking across a painted crosswalk? Neat idea but in the wrong place. Needs to be in a park or a lake. A nicer romantic place rather than walking across the street, holding hands, looking into each other eyes and dodging CARS!

15 Die in Blaze at a Restaurant in Eastern China

Source: NY Times

SHANGHAI — A fireworks blast set off a blaze in a restaurant and bar in eastern China on Saturday night, killing at least 15 people and injuring at least 22 others, according to state-run news outlets.

Ten people who were celebrating a birthday set off fireworks at their table just before midnight, starting a fire that quickly engulfed the ceiling and then swept through the establishment, a Latin-style restaurant and bar in the city of Changle, according to news reports.

It's sad when kids play with firecrackers and an accident happens and they lose one of their fingers. But grown adults setting off fireworks INDOORS! Darwinism at it's best. I would assume the ringleader of this brilliant idea died as well but if he didn't, HE SHOULD!

Non-Stop Train?

We all seen videos of the subway commute in Japan.

Here's an example:


Youtube Link

And I've also heard that the trains in Japan are always on time. It's never late. Of course Taiwan has to improve on this system and come up with a non-stop train!


Youtube Link

So you get onto a little car that gets scooped up by a train? That can't be a smooth transition can it? You'd spill alot of coffee! Also if you travelled a longer distance you'd have to walk down into the train and then walk back up? In a packed train that wouldn't work. And how many times have you been on a train listening to music or gabbing to a friend and didn't quite notice that your stop is coming soon and rushed out of the train. Can't do that here! Or if a fat guy was in your way and you couldn't make it back up into the small car. You'd be stuck forever!

Not a good idea! I can predict alot of chaos, stress and fist fights! Not to mentions accidents! Hey if a roller coaster can run off the tracks, so can this!

Another idea some academic invented who's never taken a ride on a train during rush hour.

Brawl at Muslim Ball Hockey Tournament

Source: CKNW
Source: National Post

A Muslim hockey tournament was shut down yesterday after a large brawl erupted, apparently over religious tensions. The ball hockey tournament was organized by the BC Muslim Association, which is a Sunni Muslim organization. Ahmed Buksh says his 20 and 21 year old sons - who aren't Sunni Muslims - were playing on one of the teams. He says players and spectators attacked his sons when one of them got knocked in the mouth by a stick.He says even before the tournament, some people said his sons shouldn't play. Police were called and the event was shut down. No serious injuries reported.

Brings a tear to my eye. Muslims assimilating into Canadian culture and brawling at hockey games!

Movie Reviews - February 1, 2009

Source: LoveHKFilm

Review of some movies shown over the holiday season and a classic.

All's Well End's Well 2009 (HK)

Passable fluff for undemanding audiences who thought the 1992 All's Well End's Well was the height of cinematic hilarity AND don't mind that Stephen Chow isn't in it. If the above doesn't describe you, then you should probably skip this film. No, the Donnie Yen cameo does not help.

Youtube Link

Forever Enthralled (China)

A better introduction to history than a biography, Forever Enthralled can't match the emotions or power of Chan Kaige's earlier Farewell My Concubine. As Mei Lanfang, Leon Lai is upstaged by the actor playing the younger self.

Youtube Link

After School (Japan)

Kenji Uchida's follow-up to the impressive A Stranger of Mine is more of the same clever plotting and surprising twists the writer/director excels at. However, like his debut film, it's also slightly dramatically underwhelming.

Youtube Link

Zatoichi Meets the One Armed Swordsman (HK/Japan)

A blind Japanese masseuse and a Chinese guy with one arm go mano-a-mano in this rousing crossover flick featuring the two iconic film characters. Shintaro Katsu and Jimmy Wang Yu shine in this engaging tale of swordplay, mistaken identity, and cross-cultural (mis)understanding.

Youtube Link