I went out today and drove past the TVCC building (the one that just short of burned down) and snapped a few shots. CCTV, the owner, and major state broadcasting company, apologized for their mistake. Some of my favorite quotes of the article: CCTV said it was deeply grieved “for the severe damage the fire caused to the country’s property.” CCTV did cover the fire outside its own new headquarters, but it was not the top story.

What do you get when you have illegally large fireworks set off at a construction sight in a downtown area of a large city? Starts nice like this: Fireworks in Beijing - Chinese New Year Eve 2009 II HD Version from Tom van Dillen on Vimeo. And could end like this, as it did last night in Beijing: TVCC Fire Beijing from Tom van Dillen on Vimeo. So, I suppose fireworks in the city isn’t such a good idea, eh?

I finally got around to setting up my FON router. I was given one free by a fellow Beijing Linux User Group member, on the condition I blog about it. Well, a year later is, well, late, but better than never, eh? I motivated myself to do this as I’ll be traveling to Hong Kong and Singapore for Chinese New Year (leaving tomorrow!), and I’d like to be able to have a few more free WIFI options, in case my then selected coffee shop only offers for-pay WIFI access.

My Toastmasters group had a social gathering yesterday, and this time, we did something healthy (as opposed to eat and drink like we do at the Linux group, j/k), we played Badminton. I was playing fine, probably overexerting myself at times, but all in all, was having a good time. But then, the birdie was launched way back and I ran back to get it, of course missed. As I landed on my right foot, I immediately knew I landed on it improperly as I felt some pain and had trouble stopping myself.

Am going to Guangzhou to the semiannual China Toastmasters conference where we’ll learn all kinds of great new techniques of making bread. In May, it was held in Shanghai. Will be going by train - 22 hours. Nice! Follow my twitter for updates along the way. Should arrive Friday 11AM or so.

Last night (November 19) was the 6th Anniversary party for the BLUG - Beijing Linux User Group. Exoweb was nice enough to host the party, yet again, for the 2nd year in a row! Excellent office / environment for a party. The creme penguins were a nice touch! Here’s last year’s cake. Can’t have a BLUG party without Chuanr and Beer.