Washington state blogger Mac, of Pull On Superman's Cape, has some great photoblogging from Koishikawa Botanical Gardens at the University of Tokyo. You will find all 24 pictures most worthy.

With an assist from Japundit, departed Seattle-ite James J. Na warns of China's belligerent hyper-nationalism, at his second blog, The Asianist. Na explains China's posturing is more important to the nation's Communist rulers now that statist obstruction of free markets is relaxing, and often takes the form of xenophobia toward Japan and the U.S. Call it identity politics, Chinese style.

Scott The Journalist, formerly of Seattle but now of Beijing, blogs at Elemenohpee, and is justly excited about Quaker Oats Dinosaur Egg Oatmeal.

Ex-Seattle-ite and Oregon Boy Forever Greg Piper is suffering "severe Northwest withdrawals," but at least recognizes the futility of sharing his pride of place with Back-Easters. They sure snarfed up his Willamette Valley Pinot Noir the other night, though. Greg links to a great post by SoCal-to Portland transplant Nancy Rommleman, a very engaging writer, who actually comes from Brooklyn. Bookmark this woman's site!

D.C. Thornton really likes Christopher Hitchens' piece in Slate today, titled, "Anti-War, My Foot: The phony peaceniks who protested in Washington." Moi, aussi.

Finally, a really cool blogger from the Southwest called Desert Cat has a fitting toast to Arrogant Bastard Ale.

TECHNORATI TAGS: PACIFIC NORTHWEST, JAPAN, CHINA, ARROGANT BASTARD ALE

Posted by Matt Rosenberg at September 27, 2005 06:53 PM