This blog, ALICE POON has sophistication. It's a reflection of its author of the same name, Alice Poon. The articles and translations (from Chinese to English) by this blogger are mind-boggling -- full of stories across a wide spectrum of human experiences, almost all of them somehow related to Hong Kong, China or Chinese of some sort and of some place. Alice has a masterful command of the English language, reading her writing is like listening to music played by a skilled musician, especially some of her translations. It's evident that she has an in-depth understanding of both languages.

        The negative side about Alice's web site is that it's difficult to navigate -- it tests the viewers' patience. ALICE POON is a blog buried somewhere inside the Internet edition of a newspaper, Asian Sentinel. Its web site is slow. It's likely the result of stuffing too many things into one web page. Dividing each web page into two and replacing some of its ancient codes with Flash will help (Sham-Shui-Po Boy will not charge Asian Sentinel for his professional advice).

        And reading the readers' comments in this blog is a downer -- depressing; a large number of them are down right offensive. Judging by the way these readers write, they're mostly non-Chinese. In general, they're quick to condemn and hold mostly negative views toward the Chinese. They chastise China on a host of issues, as if they were perfect people from a perfect part of the world. What satisfaction these readers get from ignoring the positives but concentrating on pointing out the shortcomings, deficiency, faults and slightest blemishes of other people is beyond Sham-Shui-Po Boy's comprehension.

        This blog is totally humourless; it is not up-lifting. Though it is serious to its core, it is not dry. Alice Poon's writing is super, the articles are thought-provoking, and the stories are captivating.