Via Howard French, a closer look at the story that inspired 2,000 Chinese journalists to protest the arrest of colleagues.:

It could have been the scoop of the year: the deputy governor of Henan
province had reportedly conspired with a local mayor to have his wife killed
and chopped up. If proven, the murder would rank as one of the worst crimes by a senior official for decades.
But the story was a minefield. Knowing how many papers have been closed down,and how many journalists arrested, for covering such sensitive topics, most editors gave Henan a wide berth.

A look at yesterday’s democracy rally in Hong Kong from China Confidential, China Digital Times, and of course there are several posts at Glutter and several more at ESWN.

I always wonder why Europe so often sides with China when it shares so many common values with the US: freedom of religion, the right to organize, the right to property, freedom of speech

Just saw a report on 3sat about a new law in Austria that demands from each individual that runs a website or a weblog “which can influence public opinion” to reveal his or her true identity. Starting from today, 1. of July everyone with a website or a Blog has to reveal his or her true name and even the personal address on the website. Everyone infringing the law can be charged with a penalty up to 2000 €.

Gaijin Biker is off to the beach, but offers plenty of reading material to peruse in his absence.
Over at Japundit, a look at perverts and privacy.

Milton J Madison evaluates his holdings in CNOOC.

Amit Varma looks at bribery in India, its costs and its causes. Also at India Uncut the latest India

Via Internet Censorship Explorer, a short CBC television item on the Great Firewall of China.

Henry Kissinger has apologized to India, and Indira Gandhi. Ennis doesn’t think that’s good enough.

Malaysia gets a nuclear-powered visitor (but remember, Malaysia isn’t an US ally).

NK Zone offers a look at the newest report on North Korea from George Bush’s favorite thinktank.

Every college student in the West is taught that "No Means No." South Korean students should be taught that "yankee go home," does not mean "change your attitude"

I admit to being confused by the legalities of Philipine President Gloria Arroyo’s admission of being on a tape seemingly seeking to influence election results. Thankfully, there is a lawyer in the house. A good roundup of the week’s events is at Torn and Frayed. And yes, do visit the comments at Sassy’s, MLQIII and PCIL.

You know you’re an Indonesian if…

Enjoy the long weekends. Happy Independence Day weekend, Canada Day
weekend and HK handover holiday weekend. Not so happy CPC Founding Day.
Happy birthday to me. And Remember Beaumont Hamel.