First, a few funnies on the recent referendum!

BÍ CÚRAMACH CAD A SCRÍOBHANN TÚ

Well, where Vietnam goes, Lao PDR often follows. It doesn't come as any great surprise that the government here have introduced virtually the same legislation that Vietnam did last year. With over 10% of the population now having a Facebook account (Alfred: That's kind of mind-boggling in one of the least developed countries in Asia) one can understand the government's concern but it's going to be interesting to see how this pans out The main threat is to close down internet providers who 'facilitate' people in breaking this new law, a law which is about as specific and precise as Rwanda's law on genocide denial (Alfred: Which, if you are missing the biting sarcasm, is so unspecific as to make almost anything above the level of jaywalking a form of genocide denial). This extract is from the Radio Free Asia story but there are plenty of others - Reuters has a good analysis if you want more detail.

New Decree Prohibits Online Criticism of Lao Government Policies

Laos has issued a new law prohibiting online criticism of the government and the ruling communist party, according to state media, setting out stiff penalties for netizens and Internet service providers who violate controls.

Last week, Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong signed Decree No. 327 into law “to monitor and prevent … information deemed threatening [to] society and national security,” according to the official Lao News Agency (KPL).

The 28-point decree makes Laos the latest Southeast Asian country to implement tough new laws governing use of the Internet, following similar legislation pushed through communist neighbor Vietnam’s rubber stamp parliament last year.

Under the decree, which will take effect on Oct. 1, netizens will face criminal charges for publishing “untrue information” about policies of the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary Party or the Lao government for the purpose of “undermining … the country.”

"AND WHAT DO YOU DO FOR ENTERTAINMENT?" I HEAR YOU CRY.

One of the main reasons for quitting teaching in Rathdown and moving here was to reduce stress and give more time for relaxation and chilling out. Well, blood pressure back to 120/80 and 15kg lighter due to cycling and better diet is one reason I think I did the right thing. But another is having more time for reading, writing ... and watching TV! The TV reception is pretty dire ane we use it for news, some sport or to have soothing French TV5 voices in the background when Martine gets 'homesick' for the sound of French. But we have good internet and access to tons of cheap DVDs so we have been watching a LOT of stuff! Highlights so far are:

FILMS and TV

1) Breaking Bad: found it SO slow at first, almost gave up, said this on FB, people urged us to stick with it ... and they were SO right. Brilliant.

2) Peaky Blinders: am dying for the next season of this. Cillian Murphy as a 1919 Birmingham gangster.

3) House of Cards (USA): mentioned in the last blog (or maybe the one before)

4) The Godfather: we watched the three films on three successive nights. I used to think Godfather II was the best but I and especially III came out better than I remembered.

5) Firefly: I had heard vague things about this SF series that was abruptly cancelled halfway through the second season. It was very good overall though the constant Wild West themes on every planet got a little wierd. And I found the film Serenity which was made to wrap up the various plotlines, and did so quite well, actually.

Now we are watching Babylon 5. OK, I have seen all these before but it is the first time for Martine. Tonight we watched Season One Episodes 13-15 and in Episode 15 there was a character, a judge and I KNEW I recognised the actor but could not for the life remember. Any you know who it was? Jim Norton, better known as Bishop Brennan from Father Ted!!

BOOKS

I wrote about the books recently (Alfred: Actually, this whole topic of what you do in your spare time has been done to death recently. Is there nothing else to write about? Here you are in the heart of South-East Asia. a fascinating culture, wonderful people and new experiences and all you can talk about is what TV you are watching - which is exactly what everyone at home is watching!! And how narcissistic to think people are actually INTERESTED! Hello, ... anyone listening?)

OK, I will confine myself to one comment. If anyone out there if into fantasy, they probably know Joe Abercrombie. If you don't, I have just started the first volume of his First Law trilogy entitled 'The Blade Itself' - I can't remember the last time a book grabbed me so instantly - wonderful characterization and a lovely writing style. I have found one missing apostrophe so far (summers day) but I can overlook that (Alfred: Or blame it on the editor) but this looks like a winner.

AGUS AS GAEILGE!

(Tá brón orm faoi chuid acu seo). (Alfred: Níl, i ndáiríre)