China Blog Parade: June 24-July 1, 2007

Our round-up of some of last week's highlights from China's English-language blogosphere:

The TIME China Blog can't help but think of the beyond-terrific HBO series "The Wire" after hearing about the Chinese government's decision to shut down 180 food production centers. Will this decision signal real change in food quality and safety, or is it just akin to the authorities trying to put some "dope on the table for the 6 o'clock news?"

So Yi Jianlin wanted to be drafted by a big market NBA team, huh? Positive Solutions assesses his options now that he has officially been drafted by the not-so-big-market Milwaukee Bucks. We know what we'd do if we really wanted to get out of playing there: gorge on bratwurst and beer until they pay us to leave.

Richard Spencer shares his thoughts on a recent report regarding how Chinese students studying abroad in the U.K. perceive British culture. Turns out some of them are shocked (shocked!) at seeing girls dancing on tables without any underwear and inebriated youths out on the streets. I'm guessing those surveyed haven't observed the bar streets here in Shanghai on the weekends, or they'd realize they're a lot closer to home than they think.

Beijing Newspeak thinks that the foreign media may have let a great opportunity slide for role-modeling strong, in-depth journalism in the wake of the Shanxi slavery scandal. Instead, they are relying on Xinhua and China Daily to provide key follow-up, and thus the story is losing attention and momentum on the international stage while so many questions remain unanswered.

Lost Laowai believes there's a bit of an overreaction regarding Cameron Diaz and her Mao propaganda gear. I'll let the author Ryan use is own words to sum up his thoughts: "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but old Maoist slogans written in Chinese and carrying Cameron Diaz’ tampons will never hurt me.” Depends on how big those tampons are, we suppose.

On Sinocidal you can read about and watch a dude playing with his balls. 'Nuff said.

Photo by w1ll14m09