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Religion seems to be woven into the daily life of Tibetans in a way that seems alien to most Westerners, which made it a mine of possibilities for this weeks PhotoFriday theme.

In the end I settled on this image from Tashilumpo Monastery, one of my favourites from that trip.

Please also vote for my entry in last weeks challenge, “The Great Outdoors.” I’m entry 160.

This chap is a professional camel handler that led my animal, dancing, singing and laughing all the way through Wadi Rum in Jordan. This weeks PhotoFriday theme being “Professional” I thought this image was appropriate.

Please also vote for my entry in last weeks challenge, “My Little Secret.” I’m entry number 185.

This young tea leaf looks pretty fragile and hence makes a good candidate for this weeks PhotoFriday challenge. I took this picture in Sri Lanka.

Please also vote for my entry in last weeks challenge, “Far From Home.” I’m entry number 143.

• The Cost of E-Voting - One of the many reasons that I am against e-voting machines: the cost. "The cost … increased 179 percent per voter on average." All that money for a less reliable system. Bargain!
• Change we can believe in - I didn't realise that we were in line for some new coins. They look surprisingly good, certainly much better than the new US notes. (Originally from daringfireball.net)
• Bali bombings: A sister's search for justice - I've always said that it's much easier to be against capital punishment when it's just an abstract idea. Here the sister of one of the Bali bombing's victims argues why she's still against it.

I like this picture of a local child I took in Hoi An, Vietnam. Obviously a little nervous, approaching me with some trepidation, but happy and smiling. I think this mixture of emotions works for this weeks PhotoFriday challenge.

Please also vote for my entry in last weeks challenge, “Found Objects.” I’m entry number 275.

• The Best of Technology Writing 2007 - I just finished reading this book myself yesterday. I was considering writing a review but Ars got there first and said it better than I would have done!
• Protests in Tibet erupt into violence - Violence is never a good thing, but the Olympics is undoubtedly a good time to try to raise the profile of the plight of the Tibetan people.
• Open Rights Group questions Phorm - Good to see TalkTalk, BT and Virgin Media's abuse of their own customers getting more press.