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
An impressive Japanese colonial era monument from 1925 wedged between houses in Dongshi, Taichung. It honored Japanese who perished in the line of duty and was re-dedicated to ROC martyrs in the post-war period only to end up completely invisible from the street.
spectralcodex.com/dongshi-loya...
spectralcodex.com/dongshi-loya...
Dongshi Loyalty Monument (東勢表忠碑) - Spectral Codex
A monument lost in the spaces between houses in Dongshi. Dongshi Loyalty Monument (東勢表忠碑) is a hidden monument in Dongshi, Taichung, dating back to the Japanese colonial era. It was inaugurated Octobe...
spectralcodex.com
September 13, 2026 at 4:40 AM
An impressive Japanese colonial era monument from 1925 wedged between houses in Dongshi, Taichung. It honored Japanese who perished in the line of duty and was re-dedicated to ROC martyrs in the post-war period only to end up completely invisible from the street.
spectralcodex.com/dongshi-loya...
spectralcodex.com/dongshi-loya...
Reposted by Xander ✺
Today would've been Nylon Cheng's 80th birthday, if he had not died for his values in 1989. The publisher and free press advocate made the ultimate stand by self-immolation when KMT police led by Hou Yu-ih, his party's 2024 president candidate, stormed Nylon's office to arrest him for insurrection.
September 12, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Today would've been Nylon Cheng's 80th birthday, if he had not died for his values in 1989. The publisher and free press advocate made the ultimate stand by self-immolation when KMT police led by Hou Yu-ih, his party's 2024 president candidate, stormed Nylon's office to arrest him for insurrection.
Reposted by Xander ✺
Here's me on that Simon Shuster piece in The Atlantic. The reason why I think it struck a nerve is his sympathies are quite transparent. He spends two paragraphs at the start fawning over the grandeur of CCP state ceremonies
"When Will the American Commentariat Give Up on Asking When Taiwan Will Give Up?" by @brianhioe.bsky.social
When Will the American Commentariat Give Up on Asking When Taiwan Will Give Up? | New Bloom Magazine
“Will Taiwan Just Give Up?” by Simon Shuster in The Atlantic, is the latest article in the heady genre of articles by white men who visit Taiwan for a few days and decide that they have the final…
newbloommag.net
September 10, 2026 at 8:32 AM
Here's me on that Simon Shuster piece in The Atlantic. The reason why I think it struck a nerve is his sympathies are quite transparent. He spends two paragraphs at the start fawning over the grandeur of CCP state ceremonies
I'm splitting this account, which will remain focused on living in Taiwan, history/culture/politics of the region, and little hints of science and urbex here and there. For webdev/tech stuff I'll move things over to @synapticism.com so my interests aren't so tangled up in the same account.
August 28, 2026 at 12:48 PM
I'm splitting this account, which will remain focused on living in Taiwan, history/culture/politics of the region, and little hints of science and urbex here and there. For webdev/tech stuff I'll move things over to @synapticism.com so my interests aren't so tangled up in the same account.
Reposted by Xander ✺
Appeared on @aljazeera.com to discuss what could occur in the event of an invasion. You see a lot of Daybreak in here a lot as well! Thanks again @mikg.bsky.social
Is China seeking to copy Iran’s Strait of Hormuz blockade around Taiwan? | 101 East Documentary
YouTube video by Al Jazeera English
www.youtube.com
August 15, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Appeared on @aljazeera.com to discuss what could occur in the event of an invasion. You see a lot of Daybreak in here a lot as well! Thanks again @mikg.bsky.social
Reposted by Xander ✺
criiiiiiiiiinge
negging is…definitely a strategy.
when people start coming over here with fighting energy, just know this is why.
(link for veracity: www.threads.com/@bluesky_soc...)
when people start coming over here with fighting energy, just know this is why.
(link for veracity: www.threads.com/@bluesky_soc...)
June 29, 2026 at 11:08 PM
criiiiiiiiiinge
Threads accounts for approximately 22% of inbound traffic to some of my projects.
Something like 20% of global traffic on Threads is from Taiwan (where I live). Meta has a lock on Taiwanese social media.
Something like 20% of global traffic on Threads is from Taiwan (where I live). Meta has a lock on Taiwanese social media.
Two possibilities:
—Threads is becoming the dominant text-based social media app even though nobody you’ve ever met has ever used Threads
—Meta is doing some funky math and just counting people who use their Instagram accounts as active Threads users
—Threads is becoming the dominant text-based social media app even though nobody you’ve ever met has ever used Threads
—Meta is doing some funky math and just counting people who use their Instagram accounts as active Threads users
So I guess either Bluesky becomes a nonprofit or we all start sharing our Threads handles on here…?
August 13, 2026 at 2:16 AM
Threads accounts for approximately 22% of inbound traffic to some of my projects.
Something like 20% of global traffic on Threads is from Taiwan (where I live). Meta has a lock on Taiwanese social media.
Something like 20% of global traffic on Threads is from Taiwan (where I live). Meta has a lock on Taiwanese social media.
Reposted by Xander ✺
Just learned some of Taiwan’s talented chefs & bakers are creating interesting new recipes using jute leaves (麻芛) as gourmet ingredient. Wish Lin Bakery (林金生香) in Taichung has jute chiffon cake, jute cheesecake, jute sun cakes (太陽餅) & jute scholar cakes (狀元糕) to just name a few examples!
July 6, 2026 at 4:37 AM
Just learned some of Taiwan’s talented chefs & bakers are creating interesting new recipes using jute leaves (麻芛) as gourmet ingredient. Wish Lin Bakery (林金生香) in Taichung has jute chiffon cake, jute cheesecake, jute sun cakes (太陽餅) & jute scholar cakes (狀元糕) to just name a few examples!
This site commemorates Eguchi Ryōzaburō for his contributions to developing the Port of Hualien, ignoring his brutal subjugation of Taiwanese Indigenous peoples. The county restored the discarded stele in 2008 and added a torii that might have never been there.
spectralcodex.com/hualien-eguc...
spectralcodex.com/hualien-eguc...
Eguchi Ryōzaburō Monument (江口氏紀念碑) - Spectral Codex
A newly-manufactured (and already weatherworn) torii stands in front of the reinstalled monument. Along the waterfront in the Port of Hualien stands a monument dedicated to the memory of Eguchi Ryōzab...
spectralcodex.com
June 22, 2026 at 6:08 PM
This site commemorates Eguchi Ryōzaburō for his contributions to developing the Port of Hualien, ignoring his brutal subjugation of Taiwanese Indigenous peoples. The county restored the discarded stele in 2008 and added a torii that might have never been there.
spectralcodex.com/hualien-eguc...
spectralcodex.com/hualien-eguc...
Reposted by Xander ✺
Taiwanese stamps from the late 90s
June 21, 2026 at 8:05 AM
Taiwanese stamps from the late 90s
Reposted by Xander ✺
Support for same-sex marriage in Taiwan has risen to 54.3%, up 12 percentage points from 7 years ago, when it became legalized, according to a survey by a non-profit civic group.
Support for same-sex marriage in Taiwan rises to 54.3%: Survey - Focus Taiwan
Support for same-sex marriage in Taiwan has risen to 54.3 percent, up 12 percentage points from seven years ago, when it became legalized, according to a survey released Friday by a non-profit civic g...
focustaiwan.tw
June 5, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Support for same-sex marriage in Taiwan has risen to 54.3%, up 12 percentage points from 7 years ago, when it became legalized, according to a survey by a non-profit civic group.
Reposted by Xander ✺
Great news. It was a great honour and pleasure to be there in February of 2024, to photograph some of the process and the craftspeople involved in the restoration.
See some of my shots from that assignment, here:
blog.alfiegoodrich.com/portfolio/co...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/06...
See some of my shots from that assignment, here:
blog.alfiegoodrich.com/portfolio/co...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/06...
Ceremony set for November will mark Shuri Castle’s main hall being restored
Restoration work for the main hall began in November 2022 following a fire in October 2019.
www.japantimes.co.jp
June 3, 2026 at 6:41 AM
Great news. It was a great honour and pleasure to be there in February of 2024, to photograph some of the process and the craftspeople involved in the restoration.
See some of my shots from that assignment, here:
blog.alfiegoodrich.com/portfolio/co...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/06...
See some of my shots from that assignment, here:
blog.alfiegoodrich.com/portfolio/co...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/06...
Reposted by Xander ✺
Guy who grew up in the Pacific Northwest: Oh, shit, it’s May 18th. I wonder where my childhood jar of volcanic ash is now.
May 18, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Guy who grew up in the Pacific Northwest: Oh, shit, it’s May 18th. I wonder where my childhood jar of volcanic ash is now.
Reposted by Xander ✺
El tiempo no borra: transforma. Spectral Codex: un viaje por las huellas invisibles de Taiwán.
humantraces.net/spectral-codex
#spectralcodex #taiwan @spectralcodex.com
humantraces.net/spectral-codex
#spectralcodex #taiwan @spectralcodex.com
Spectral Codex: un viaje por las huellas invisibles de Taiwán. | Human Traces
El tiempo se deposita en cada capa de polvo. El deterioro se siente en un cine abandonado, una fachada descascarillada, un cartel que aún promete un estreno que nunca llegará. Esos rastros del pasado permanecen allí, en silencio, esperando a que alguien vuelva a mirarlos. Alexander Synaptic es una de esas personas que todavía las […]
humantraces.net
April 9, 2026 at 7:33 AM
El tiempo no borra: transforma. Spectral Codex: un viaje por las huellas invisibles de Taiwán.
humantraces.net/spectral-codex
#spectralcodex #taiwan @spectralcodex.com
humantraces.net/spectral-codex
#spectralcodex #taiwan @spectralcodex.com
🧵 I'm experimenting with Threads a little more these days since it's way more Taiwan-centric and generally better vibes than some other places. For anyone also using the service you can find me there with my IG handle: www.threads.com/@synapticx
April 3, 2026 at 1:51 PM
🧵 I'm experimenting with Threads a little more these days since it's way more Taiwan-centric and generally better vibes than some other places. For anyone also using the service you can find me there with my IG handle: www.threads.com/@synapticx
Reposted by Xander ✺
Boys Day with “koinobori” (traditional carp windsocks). Early 20th century, Japan. The carp is a central symbol in this celebration, representing strength, courage, and the determination to overcome obstacles—qualities inspired by the legend of the carp swimming upstream to become a dragon.
March 31, 2026 at 7:37 AM
Boys Day with “koinobori” (traditional carp windsocks). Early 20th century, Japan. The carp is a central symbol in this celebration, representing strength, courage, and the determination to overcome obstacles—qualities inspired by the legend of the carp swimming upstream to become a dragon.
Reposted by Xander ✺
Inside the dictator’s bedroom:
A judgmental jaunt through Chiang Kai-Shek’s winter residence in Kaohsiung, Taiwan…
#台灣 #高雄 #部落格 #taiwan #blog
www.taiwanquest.com/chiang-kai-s...
A judgmental jaunt through Chiang Kai-Shek’s winter residence in Kaohsiung, Taiwan…
#台灣 #高雄 #部落格 #taiwan #blog
www.taiwanquest.com/chiang-kai-s...
Inside the dictator’s bedroom
A judgmental jaunt through Chiang Kai-Shek’s winter residence in Kaohsiung, Taiwan…
www.taiwanquest.com
March 27, 2026 at 3:35 AM
Another sign of the apocalypse 🍃 focustaiwan.tw/society/2026...
Sugar-coated, flavored betel nuts prompt calls for regulation - Focus Taiwan
Sugar-coated and flavored betel nuts have been sold in Taiwan since last year, the Taiwan Betel Nut and Oral Cancer Prevention Association said Friday, calling for the early passage of a bill to regul...
focustaiwan.tw
March 20, 2026 at 2:33 PM
Another sign of the apocalypse 🍃 focustaiwan.tw/society/2026...
It would be pretty funny if Taiwan went around making up pet names for every country that gives in to Chinese irredentism.
Taiwan has replaced “Korea” with “South Korea” on residency documents issued to Korean nationals, in a reciprocal move to Seoul’s continued designation of the island state as “China (Taiwan)” on its electronic arrival forms.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-03...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-03...
What's in a name? For Taiwan and Korea, it's a sovereignty claim.
Taiwan has replaced “Korea” with “South Korea” on residency documents issued to Korean nationals, in a reciprocal move to Seoul’s continued designation of the island state as “China (Taiwan)” on its…
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
March 19, 2026 at 9:24 AM
It would be pretty funny if Taiwan went around making up pet names for every country that gives in to Chinese irredentism.
Reposted by Xander ✺
Hinamatsuri, brought to you by the Fukui Dinosaur Museum.
March 3, 2026 at 2:22 AM
Hinamatsuri, brought to you by the Fukui Dinosaur Museum.
Reposted by Xander ✺
Taiwan relies heavily on imported energy. In 2024, about 95% of its fossil fuels were imported.
Around 70.3% of Taiwan’s crude oil comes from Middle Eastern countries. Developments in and around the Strait of Hormuz are therefore closely monitored, as disruption affect global supply chains.
Around 70.3% of Taiwan’s crude oil comes from Middle Eastern countries. Developments in and around the Strait of Hormuz are therefore closely monitored, as disruption affect global supply chains.
March 2, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Taiwan relies heavily on imported energy. In 2024, about 95% of its fossil fuels were imported.
Around 70.3% of Taiwan’s crude oil comes from Middle Eastern countries. Developments in and around the Strait of Hormuz are therefore closely monitored, as disruption affect global supply chains.
Around 70.3% of Taiwan’s crude oil comes from Middle Eastern countries. Developments in and around the Strait of Hormuz are therefore closely monitored, as disruption affect global supply chains.
Reposted by Xander ✺
INBOX: South Korea's birth rate increased(!) for a second straight year(!!), with the highest year-over-year growth rate since 2007(!!!)
For the first time since 1981 (!!!!), both monthly births and marriages increased for all 12 months:
www.chosun.com/english/mark...
For the first time since 1981 (!!!!), both monthly births and marriages increased for all 12 months:
www.chosun.com/english/mark...
South Korea Birth Rate Rises 6.8%
South Korea Birth Rate Rises 6.8% Largest Increase in 18 Years as Fertility Rate Reaches 0.80
www.chosun.com
February 26, 2026 at 1:31 AM
INBOX: South Korea's birth rate increased(!) for a second straight year(!!), with the highest year-over-year growth rate since 2007(!!!)
For the first time since 1981 (!!!!), both monthly births and marriages increased for all 12 months:
www.chosun.com/english/mark...
For the first time since 1981 (!!!!), both monthly births and marriages increased for all 12 months:
www.chosun.com/english/mark...
I've been documenting the locations and conditions of former Shinto shrines in Taiwan for several years by now. This map now shows 464 sites... and I'm sure there are dozens more to uncover! ⛩ spectralcodex.com/themes/taiwa...
Shinto Shrines in Taiwan (台灣神社) - Spectral Codex
Documenting the original locations and remaining relics of the hundreds of Shinto shrines built in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial era, most of which were destroyed following the end of colonial r...
spectralcodex.com
February 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM
I've been documenting the locations and conditions of former Shinto shrines in Taiwan for several years by now. This map now shows 464 sites... and I'm sure there are dozens more to uncover! ⛩ spectralcodex.com/themes/taiwa...
Reposted by Xander ✺
Workers make the world, including the Dragon Horse statue.
Poster courtesy of Kaohsiung Museum of Labor
Poster courtesy of Kaohsiung Museum of Labor
February 15, 2026 at 12:46 AM
Workers make the world, including the Dragon Horse statue.
Poster courtesy of Kaohsiung Museum of Labor
Poster courtesy of Kaohsiung Museum of Labor
Reposted by Xander ✺
"The transformation of a dark remnant of Taiwan's authoritarian past into a venue for human rights education began in 2009, with the discovery of dozens of formalin jars containing human body parts inside an abandoned building in New Taipei's Xindian district." (CNA) focustaiwan.tw/culture/2026... 🧋
How a site of White Terror persecution became a human rights venue - Focus Taiwan
The transformation of a dark remnant of Taiwan's authoritarian past into a venue for human rights education began in 2009, with the discovery of dozens of formalin jars containing human body parts ins...
focustaiwan.tw
February 13, 2026 at 1:27 AM
"The transformation of a dark remnant of Taiwan's authoritarian past into a venue for human rights education began in 2009, with the discovery of dozens of formalin jars containing human body parts inside an abandoned building in New Taipei's Xindian district." (CNA) focustaiwan.tw/culture/2026... 🧋