The Green Dam filter that has caused much controversy over the last week may not be a "compulsory" addition for computers. Cui Jia of China Daily reports:The authorities are only requiring PC makers to include the porn-filtering software, the Green

Deng Yujiao, the waitress who fatally stabbed a government official after he made sexual advances towards her, went on trial and was charged with causing injury with intent. From Reuters, via Washington Post:A Chinese waitress who killed a government official

Liuzhou improv jazz ensemble, via expatriategames.

From AP: China has called the latest collision between Chinese and U.S. naval vessels an accident, but many of the elements echo previous altercations that have raised concerns that China's navy is growing increasingly aggressive in its patrols of the

From China Daily: By the end of the year all criminals sentenced to death in Beijing will receive a lethal injection instead of being executed by gunshot.A lethal injection site has been built next to the city's No 1 detention

A British woman fell 200m to her death while hiking in the Dolomite mountains in northern Italy it has been reported.

The Queen has joined the "grow your own" revolution after creating a vegetable plot at Buckingham Palace.

A younger friend told me that the purpose of Facebook is to 'keep in touch with people you don't want to keep in touch with'. So why bother wonders Simon Heffer.

Looking forward to taking your children 'home' for the summer? Visiting Britain may not be top of the childrens' wish list.

The wife of Stephen Mallon the British holidaymaker left fighting for his life after being thrown off a 25ft balcony in Spain said on Saturday that the whole family was "traumatised" by the incident.

Lack of confidence in the financial markets is making tangible enjoyable assets increasingly attractive. Just make sure you get expert advice before taking the plunge.

Sir Christopher Kelly chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life begins his inquiry into Commons expenses by criticising MPs for "exploiting" the allowances system.

Coverage of the Iranian election protests has taken on a global life as a result of the involvement in coverage on Twitter of Stephen Fry Senator John McCain the helpful American Shahzad and kiwipersian.

PM faces accusations of an "establishment stitchup" after telling MPs investigation will be held behind closed doors.

Iran's Council of Guardians says it is ready to recount votes from last week's disputed election in the wake of clashes at protests which have led to the deaths of at least eight people.

Seven people have died in clashes in Tehran after an "unauthorised gathering" following a mass rally over alleged election fraud Iran's state radio reported.

Public spending will have to be cut regardless of which party wins power George Osborne the shadow chancellor has said.

Public support for Labour has waned over the past month following the string of cabinet resignations and leadership squabbles a new poll suggests.

Baroness Scotland the Attorney General has decided against referring the sentences handed down in the Baby P case to the Court of Appeal she said on Tuesday.

President Barack Obama has been named the most stylish man in a poll of 3000 men.