RTFA: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090223/ap_on_en_mo/os…

I have yet to watch slumdog, but heard there was some outcry at the portrait painted of Indians. I’m wondering if these criticisms have merit. Am I missing something here, the director said this at the Oscars last night:

“Just to say to Mumbai, all of you who helped us make the film and all of those of you who didn’t, thank you very much. You dwarf even this guy,” Boyle said, holding up his directing Oscar.

Now to say that all of Mumbai dwarfs an Oscar is an insult right?

RTFA: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7836854.st…

Australian writer Harry Nicolaides has been sentenced to three years in a Thai jail for insulting the monarchy.

Nicolaides wrote a novel four years ago, which contained a brief passage referring to an unnamed crown prince. It sold just seven copies.

He admitted the charge of insulting the royal family, but said he was unaware he was committing an offence.

Thailand’s monarchy is sheltered from public debate by some of the world’s most stringent “lese-majeste” laws.

It looks like the Thai Monarch is itching for some good ole fashion American satire… any takers?