Ryan Ho Kilpatrick 何松濤
@ryanhk.blue
Freelance writer/editor/translator | Last seen managing the China Media Project | Before that: TaiwanPlus, The Washington Post, Hong Kong Free Press, TIME, dpa
📍 Hong Kong / Hualien
📍 Hong Kong / Hualien
South Callipers Morning Phrenology
December 7, 2025 at 8:00 AM
South Callipers Morning Phrenology
Ta Kung Pao made an AI election propaganda video. I’m so sorry but you have to see this.
（有片）AI 歌曲《香港未來 投票做主宰》 籲選民以實際行動建設香港-大公文匯 m.tkww.hk/s/202512/06/...
（有片）AI 歌曲《香港未來 投票做主宰》 籲選民以實際行動建設香港-大公文匯 m.tkww.hk/s/202512/06/...
December 6, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Ta Kung Pao made an AI election propaganda video. I’m so sorry but you have to see this.
（有片）AI 歌曲《香港未來 投票做主宰》 籲選民以實際行動建設香港-大公文匯 m.tkww.hk/s/202512/06/...
（有片）AI 歌曲《香港未來 投票做主宰》 籲選民以實際行動建設香港-大公文匯 m.tkww.hk/s/202512/06/...
#37: 考古台灣 (Taiwan Archaeology) by 陳歆怡、楊子磊 & 顏松柏
A comprehensive and nicely illustrated overview of Taiwan’s most significant archaeological sites. I could’ve done without the sections on Taiwan’s heritage preservation bureaucracy and just stuck to the artefacts but that is still important (if dry).
A comprehensive and nicely illustrated overview of Taiwan’s most significant archaeological sites. I could’ve done without the sections on Taiwan’s heritage preservation bureaucracy and just stuck to the artefacts but that is still important (if dry).
December 6, 2025 at 1:15 AM
#37: 考古台灣 (Taiwan Archaeology) by 陳歆怡、楊子磊 & 顏松柏
A comprehensive and nicely illustrated overview of Taiwan’s most significant archaeological sites. I could’ve done without the sections on Taiwan’s heritage preservation bureaucracy and just stuck to the artefacts but that is still important (if dry).
A comprehensive and nicely illustrated overview of Taiwan’s most significant archaeological sites. I could’ve done without the sections on Taiwan’s heritage preservation bureaucracy and just stuck to the artefacts but that is still important (if dry).
Global Times' reporting on this story is currently more accurate than SCMP's
December 3, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Global Times' reporting on this story is currently more accurate than SCMP's
Finally read "The Great Reckoning" (www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-gr...), and I'm struck by how the worldview the titular reckoning is said to challenge is not one I've ever held or encountered. Despite the subtitle, I learnt a lot more about what Americans tell themselves than I did about China.
December 3, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Finally read "The Great Reckoning" (www.theideasletter.org/essay/the-gr...), and I'm struck by how the worldview the titular reckoning is said to challenge is not one I've ever held or encountered. Despite the subtitle, I learnt a lot more about what Americans tell themselves than I did about China.
Some interesting insights from Kevin Yam, the pro-democracy lawyer and activist now wanted by Hong Kong’s national security police.
When it comes to the “independent committee” promised by John Lee to probe cause of the Wang Fuk fire, the devil may be in the details: hongkongfp.com/2025/12/02/b...
When it comes to the “independent committee” promised by John Lee to probe cause of the Wang Fuk fire, the devil may be in the details: hongkongfp.com/2025/12/02/b...
December 2, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Some interesting insights from Kevin Yam, the pro-democracy lawyer and activist now wanted by Hong Kong’s national security police.
When it comes to the “independent committee” promised by John Lee to probe cause of the Wang Fuk fire, the devil may be in the details: hongkongfp.com/2025/12/02/b...
When it comes to the “independent committee” promised by John Lee to probe cause of the Wang Fuk fire, the devil may be in the details: hongkongfp.com/2025/12/02/b...
“Representative of the network where the fatal test-train collision occurred.”
This kind of orientalist AI garbage would be offensive in any context. The fact that it’s illustrating a story in which 11 people died is beyond contempt.
This is what the station in question actually looks like, FYI ⬇️
This kind of orientalist AI garbage would be offensive in any context. The fact that it’s illustrating a story in which 11 people died is beyond contempt.
This is what the station in question actually looks like, FYI ⬇️
December 2, 2025 at 12:34 AM
“Representative of the network where the fatal test-train collision occurred.”
This kind of orientalist AI garbage would be offensive in any context. The fact that it’s illustrating a story in which 11 people died is beyond contempt.
This is what the station in question actually looks like, FYI ⬇️
This kind of orientalist AI garbage would be offensive in any context. The fact that it’s illustrating a story in which 11 people died is beyond contempt.
This is what the station in question actually looks like, FYI ⬇️
I’ve wondered the same but it’s just as likely a case of non-local journalists on tight deadlines looking at who other outlets are quoting and reaching out to the same people. Most experts aren’t so media-friendly, and probably aren’t willing to speculate so publicly just based on some shaky videos.
December 1, 2025 at 11:37 AM
I’ve wondered the same but it’s just as likely a case of non-local journalists on tight deadlines looking at who other outlets are quoting and reaching out to the same people. Most experts aren’t so media-friendly, and probably aren’t willing to speculate so publicly just based on some shaky videos.
Watching this play out in HK is a shock to the system, but to anyone who’s seen it happen time and again in the mainland, it’s also all too familiar and predictable.
After any disaster, “stability maintenance” (維穩) and “stabilising public sentiment” (穩定社會情緒) are always foremost official priorities.
After any disaster, “stability maintenance” (維穩) and “stabilising public sentiment” (穩定社會情緒) are always foremost official priorities.
November 29, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Watching this play out in HK is a shock to the system, but to anyone who’s seen it happen time and again in the mainland, it’s also all too familiar and predictable.
After any disaster, “stability maintenance” (維穩) and “stabilising public sentiment” (穩定社會情緒) are always foremost official priorities.
After any disaster, “stability maintenance” (維穩) and “stabilising public sentiment” (穩定社會情緒) are always foremost official priorities.
Reflexively blaming bamboo with no evidence and no effort to address regulatory failures is journalist malpractice but it doesn’t stop there.
Portraying living in a high-rises as a poor-people-thing, not a choice people gladly make, is the most condescending West-brained thing I’ve read in a while.
Portraying living in a high-rises as a poor-people-thing, not a choice people gladly make, is the most condescending West-brained thing I’ve read in a while.
November 27, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Reflexively blaming bamboo with no evidence and no effort to address regulatory failures is journalist malpractice but it doesn’t stop there.
Portraying living in a high-rises as a poor-people-thing, not a choice people gladly make, is the most condescending West-brained thing I’ve read in a while.
Portraying living in a high-rises as a poor-people-thing, not a choice people gladly make, is the most condescending West-brained thing I’ve read in a while.
This 2024 post from the DAB’s Peggy Wong is quickly becoming infamous.
In it, the pro-Beijing district councillor dismisses fire safety concerns about the Wang Fuk work as malicious rumours misleading the public, and accuses the Democratic Party of “provocatively live-streaming “ from the scene.
In it, the pro-Beijing district councillor dismisses fire safety concerns about the Wang Fuk work as malicious rumours misleading the public, and accuses the Democratic Party of “provocatively live-streaming “ from the scene.
November 27, 2025 at 7:37 AM
This 2024 post from the DAB’s Peggy Wong is quickly becoming infamous.
In it, the pro-Beijing district councillor dismisses fire safety concerns about the Wang Fuk work as malicious rumours misleading the public, and accuses the Democratic Party of “provocatively live-streaming “ from the scene.
In it, the pro-Beijing district councillor dismisses fire safety concerns about the Wang Fuk work as malicious rumours misleading the public, and accuses the Democratic Party of “provocatively live-streaming “ from the scene.
Balanced rudders like this, with a portion of the blade projecting in front of the shaft to reduce the effort needed to manoeuvre, were also an innovation adopted by Western shipbuilders centuries after they first appeared in China. Brunel‘s SS Great Britain was the first modern ship to do so.
November 26, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Balanced rudders like this, with a portion of the blade projecting in front of the shaft to reduce the effort needed to manoeuvre, were also an innovation adopted by Western shipbuilders centuries after they first appeared in China. Brunel‘s SS Great Britain was the first modern ship to do so.
#34: Lake Mungo
Shocked, as a horror fan, that I hadn’t seen this before. Lake Mungo spooks you out in an understated way for much of the runtime, before pulling the rug in an incredibly well-earned jump. Genuinely terrifying and — even more so — genuinely tragic. Best horror I’ve watched in years.
Shocked, as a horror fan, that I hadn’t seen this before. Lake Mungo spooks you out in an understated way for much of the runtime, before pulling the rug in an incredibly well-earned jump. Genuinely terrifying and — even more so — genuinely tragic. Best horror I’ve watched in years.
November 23, 2025 at 1:58 AM
#34: Lake Mungo
Shocked, as a horror fan, that I hadn’t seen this before. Lake Mungo spooks you out in an understated way for much of the runtime, before pulling the rug in an incredibly well-earned jump. Genuinely terrifying and — even more so — genuinely tragic. Best horror I’ve watched in years.
Shocked, as a horror fan, that I hadn’t seen this before. Lake Mungo spooks you out in an understated way for much of the runtime, before pulling the rug in an incredibly well-earned jump. Genuinely terrifying and — even more so — genuinely tragic. Best horror I’ve watched in years.
#36: Edge of Empires by John M Carrol
A fascinating study of how Chinese elites worked with — and around — colonial authorities in Hong Kong, collaborating on the surface while carving out a space for themselves in the cracks between British and imperialism, showing the seeds of Hong Kong identity.
A fascinating study of how Chinese elites worked with — and around — colonial authorities in Hong Kong, collaborating on the surface while carving out a space for themselves in the cracks between British and imperialism, showing the seeds of Hong Kong identity.
November 23, 2025 at 1:52 AM
#36: Edge of Empires by John M Carrol
A fascinating study of how Chinese elites worked with — and around — colonial authorities in Hong Kong, collaborating on the surface while carving out a space for themselves in the cracks between British and imperialism, showing the seeds of Hong Kong identity.
A fascinating study of how Chinese elites worked with — and around — colonial authorities in Hong Kong, collaborating on the surface while carving out a space for themselves in the cracks between British and imperialism, showing the seeds of Hong Kong identity.
#33: Another World
Totally blown away by this Hong Kong animated film. The story is steeped in Buddhism and Eastern philosophy but explores universal concepts of grief, resentment, and strength. It plumbs the depths of human darkness but somehow remains optimistic. It’s also beautifully hand-drawn.
Totally blown away by this Hong Kong animated film. The story is steeped in Buddhism and Eastern philosophy but explores universal concepts of grief, resentment, and strength. It plumbs the depths of human darkness but somehow remains optimistic. It’s also beautifully hand-drawn.
November 19, 2025 at 10:12 AM
#33: Another World
Totally blown away by this Hong Kong animated film. The story is steeped in Buddhism and Eastern philosophy but explores universal concepts of grief, resentment, and strength. It plumbs the depths of human darkness but somehow remains optimistic. It’s also beautifully hand-drawn.
Totally blown away by this Hong Kong animated film. The story is steeped in Buddhism and Eastern philosophy but explores universal concepts of grief, resentment, and strength. It plumbs the depths of human darkness but somehow remains optimistic. It’s also beautifully hand-drawn.
#35: 《台灣的海洋歷史文化》(Oceanic Cultures & History of Taiwan) by 戴寶村
Despite the constant reminders that Taiwan is surrounded by water, this book is unfortunately quite dry in its writing. While it’s not too interested in compelling storytelling, though, it does provide lots of interesting facts and leads
Despite the constant reminders that Taiwan is surrounded by water, this book is unfortunately quite dry in its writing. While it’s not too interested in compelling storytelling, though, it does provide lots of interesting facts and leads
November 10, 2025 at 12:42 AM
#35: 《台灣的海洋歷史文化》(Oceanic Cultures & History of Taiwan) by 戴寶村
Despite the constant reminders that Taiwan is surrounded by water, this book is unfortunately quite dry in its writing. While it’s not too interested in compelling storytelling, though, it does provide lots of interesting facts and leads
Despite the constant reminders that Taiwan is surrounded by water, this book is unfortunately quite dry in its writing. While it’s not too interested in compelling storytelling, though, it does provide lots of interesting facts and leads
#32: Weapons
A refreshingly original horror movie that explores how grief and addiction can destroy a person, a family, and a whole community. The thoroughly unhinged (and uncomfortably funny) final act brought the story to an end I didn’t expect but definitely appreciated.
A refreshingly original horror movie that explores how grief and addiction can destroy a person, a family, and a whole community. The thoroughly unhinged (and uncomfortably funny) final act brought the story to an end I didn’t expect but definitely appreciated.
November 9, 2025 at 11:51 AM
#32: Weapons
A refreshingly original horror movie that explores how grief and addiction can destroy a person, a family, and a whole community. The thoroughly unhinged (and uncomfortably funny) final act brought the story to an end I didn’t expect but definitely appreciated.
A refreshingly original horror movie that explores how grief and addiction can destroy a person, a family, and a whole community. The thoroughly unhinged (and uncomfortably funny) final act brought the story to an end I didn’t expect but definitely appreciated.
There’s a cha chaan teng in HK that’s famous for its mayo double dogs. I love them but Americans I’ve tried taking there were unimpressed and seemingly offended by the idea of a semisweet hotdog 🤷
October 29, 2025 at 2:12 AM
There’s a cha chaan teng in HK that’s famous for its mayo double dogs. I love them but Americans I’ve tried taking there were unimpressed and seemingly offended by the idea of a semisweet hotdog 🤷
IG’s favourite new thing to advertise to me is apparently AI-generated cozy Ghibli zombie apocalypse van life games featuring vesicles with the most nonsensical layouts imaginable.
October 27, 2025 at 4:10 AM
IG’s favourite new thing to advertise to me is apparently AI-generated cozy Ghibli zombie apocalypse van life games featuring vesicles with the most nonsensical layouts imaginable.
#34: The Great Port Cities of Asia by Kennie Ting
A whirlwind tour of 80 ancient and contemporary ports across the continent, there’s not too much time to linger on any. While chapters on places I know well were flawed, I enjoyed its explorations of less familiar shores like the Indian Ocean world.
A whirlwind tour of 80 ancient and contemporary ports across the continent, there’s not too much time to linger on any. While chapters on places I know well were flawed, I enjoyed its explorations of less familiar shores like the Indian Ocean world.
October 22, 2025 at 12:06 AM
#34: The Great Port Cities of Asia by Kennie Ting
A whirlwind tour of 80 ancient and contemporary ports across the continent, there’s not too much time to linger on any. While chapters on places I know well were flawed, I enjoyed its explorations of less familiar shores like the Indian Ocean world.
A whirlwind tour of 80 ancient and contemporary ports across the continent, there’s not too much time to linger on any. While chapters on places I know well were flawed, I enjoyed its explorations of less familiar shores like the Indian Ocean world.
#31: Chief of War S1
This historical epic depicts Kamehameha's rise and the unification of Hawaiʻi from an indigenous perspective. The writing is sometimes weak, but bringing this story to mainstream audiences worldwide for the first time is an incredible undertaking, and I am very much here for it
This historical epic depicts Kamehameha's rise and the unification of Hawaiʻi from an indigenous perspective. The writing is sometimes weak, but bringing this story to mainstream audiences worldwide for the first time is an incredible undertaking, and I am very much here for it
October 21, 2025 at 11:47 AM
#31: Chief of War S1
This historical epic depicts Kamehameha's rise and the unification of Hawaiʻi from an indigenous perspective. The writing is sometimes weak, but bringing this story to mainstream audiences worldwide for the first time is an incredible undertaking, and I am very much here for it
This historical epic depicts Kamehameha's rise and the unification of Hawaiʻi from an indigenous perspective. The writing is sometimes weak, but bringing this story to mainstream audiences worldwide for the first time is an incredible undertaking, and I am very much here for it
The article itself is much better than the headline. This is the only section I found particularly objectionable ⬇️
Lai and the DPP are not only open to dialogue but repeatedly seek it. It is the PRC side that refuses to engage. The KMT is more open to accomodation, to "dialogue" on the PRC's terms.
Lai and the DPP are not only open to dialogue but repeatedly seek it. It is the PRC side that refuses to engage. The KMT is more open to accomodation, to "dialogue" on the PRC's terms.
October 21, 2025 at 6:52 AM
The article itself is much better than the headline. This is the only section I found particularly objectionable ⬇️
Lai and the DPP are not only open to dialogue but repeatedly seek it. It is the PRC side that refuses to engage. The KMT is more open to accomodation, to "dialogue" on the PRC's terms.
Lai and the DPP are not only open to dialogue but repeatedly seek it. It is the PRC side that refuses to engage. The KMT is more open to accomodation, to "dialogue" on the PRC's terms.
#33: The Blue Machine by Helen Czerski
An engaging primer on the history of oceanography, The Blue Machine eschews the predictable wonders-of-the-deep focus on charismatic megafauna. Water itself is the protagonist of this story, although it’s also pepped with human interest and lyrical interludes.
An engaging primer on the history of oceanography, The Blue Machine eschews the predictable wonders-of-the-deep focus on charismatic megafauna. Water itself is the protagonist of this story, although it’s also pepped with human interest and lyrical interludes.
October 17, 2025 at 2:35 PM
#33: The Blue Machine by Helen Czerski
An engaging primer on the history of oceanography, The Blue Machine eschews the predictable wonders-of-the-deep focus on charismatic megafauna. Water itself is the protagonist of this story, although it’s also pepped with human interest and lyrical interludes.
An engaging primer on the history of oceanography, The Blue Machine eschews the predictable wonders-of-the-deep focus on charismatic megafauna. Water itself is the protagonist of this story, although it’s also pepped with human interest and lyrical interludes.
#30: Sakamoto Days S1
In a time of Spy x Family, Dandadan, and others, Sakamoto Days isn't the premier wholesome action-comedy anime out there. But it's still a very delightful watch, with a cast of likable — if not quite yet lovable — characters and its own special brand of high-stakes slapstick.
In a time of Spy x Family, Dandadan, and others, Sakamoto Days isn't the premier wholesome action-comedy anime out there. But it's still a very delightful watch, with a cast of likable — if not quite yet lovable — characters and its own special brand of high-stakes slapstick.
October 12, 2025 at 12:29 AM
#30: Sakamoto Days S1
In a time of Spy x Family, Dandadan, and others, Sakamoto Days isn't the premier wholesome action-comedy anime out there. But it's still a very delightful watch, with a cast of likable — if not quite yet lovable — characters and its own special brand of high-stakes slapstick.
In a time of Spy x Family, Dandadan, and others, Sakamoto Days isn't the premier wholesome action-comedy anime out there. But it's still a very delightful watch, with a cast of likable — if not quite yet lovable — characters and its own special brand of high-stakes slapstick.
#29: Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
An appropriately bombastic adaptation of the Bomb Girl Arc. After the hours-long flashback-fest that was Infinity Castle, Chainsaw's unrelenting fast pace was a nice change — gorgeous artwork and animation, plus a banger soundtrack and excellent sound design.
An appropriately bombastic adaptation of the Bomb Girl Arc. After the hours-long flashback-fest that was Infinity Castle, Chainsaw's unrelenting fast pace was a nice change — gorgeous artwork and animation, plus a banger soundtrack and excellent sound design.
October 12, 2025 at 12:13 AM
#29: Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
An appropriately bombastic adaptation of the Bomb Girl Arc. After the hours-long flashback-fest that was Infinity Castle, Chainsaw's unrelenting fast pace was a nice change — gorgeous artwork and animation, plus a banger soundtrack and excellent sound design.
An appropriately bombastic adaptation of the Bomb Girl Arc. After the hours-long flashback-fest that was Infinity Castle, Chainsaw's unrelenting fast pace was a nice change — gorgeous artwork and animation, plus a banger soundtrack and excellent sound design.