Has it really been that long?!

I have just read with some amazement that the last post was in March last year. I cannot believe how the time has flown and how little, of any note, has occurred since then. At least, nothing of interest to friends and family back home.

After the riots last year in the north-west between the Han and the Urumqi, China clamped down on the ability to access a lot of websites that it considered a threat, including Facebook, Blogger and even Skype. Hence the lack of updates.

However, I have now found a way around the Great Firewall of China with a little proxy service that gives me an address in the US and so I now have no excuse for not keeping the blog up to date. Unfortunately, I still can’t use any of my online gambling accounts because the IP address is, well… in the US.

So, what has happened since the last update? The headlines:

April: "Easter": A relative who shall remain nameless (Mum) distributes disturbing pornographic material.

A shocking reflection on modern society

May: "Hannah (a.k.a. the Ginger Ninja) visits China – residents of Rizhao flee in panic": They fled in droves, terrified by rumors of her impending arrival, with many jumping empty-handed into motorcycle taxis and farm trucks, before vacating the city.

Residents fleeing the city in May

June: "Loch Ness Monster sighted in Rizhao": residents remain calm.

Unfazed by "Nessie" – one of the residents who fled in May

July: "Riots in north-western China amid ethnic tension": The riots between the Urumqi and Han populations result in many deaths. R.I.P. Facebook, Blogger and Skype.

Lest we forget

August: "Fears of swine flu epedemic escalate": As the number of reported cases continues to increase, governments issue health warnings.

Robin Cook was one the first victims

September: "Tourist season ends – beaches deserted": As the summer comes to an end in Rizhao, traders prepare for a quiet time until next year.

A worrying sight for traders as the season comes to a close

October: "Halloween": A relative who shall remain nameless (Dad) distributes disturbing pornographic material.

Proof, if ever it were needed, that pumpkins are scary

November: "Scientists develop new mouse for women": After years of extensive research on how to get a female brain to function in a logical fashion akin to that of computer processes, scientists have come up with a new design in mouse technology that should make the learning process feel a lot more natural.

One less barrier for women in the IT world

December: "Customers say 'no' to Cadbury merging with Nestle": Aside from the fact that Cadbury is a British brand that is loved by the British public, there have been some concerns regarding a merger between the two confectionery giants.

Not really suitable for young children

The inspiration for Brokeback Mountain?

Just wrong

January: "Ben updates blog": A bit of a silly one this month as I have been out of touch for so long. I hope that you all had a great festive season and a welcome break from the daily grind. Life in China is still treating me very well and I wish you all the best for 2010.

I will endeavour to update the blog on a regular basis from this point forward and would just like to wish you all a xīn nián kuài lè (Happy New Year) !!