A bulging in-box to clear and lots of catching up to do after the Cyprus trip.

First of all a big up to James Ker-Lindsay from the Nicosia-based think tank Civilitas Research. Frankly, what he doesn't know about Cyprus ain't worth knowing -- and most of what he does know ain't worth knowing either. He was a mine of information during my assignment and his website has lots of resources relating to South East Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. I'm hoping to work with James on a long-term project about Greek Cypriot president, Tassos Papadopoulos...of which more if it comes off.

Also, if you find yourself in Nicosia I can heartily recommend the Syrian Arab Friendship Club, ironically just a stone's throw from the American Embassy. It serves some of the best meze I've ever tasted and after dinner you can sip a strong Syrian coffee while passing round the nargila.

Next, a couple of stories of interest -- a leading Italian TV reporter has resigned from Rai after criticising Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi over his media influence. Frankly, from the picture she looks so damned scary it's probably a blessing.

The Media Guardian (registration required) reports that two Danish newspaper journalists are facing a six-month jail sentence after they were formally charged with publishing classified government reports that questioned the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, while the US is once again laying to Al Jazeera over its Iraq coverage.

Finally, in cute kid corner, BNI regular Robert Opp e-mails over a pic of his adorable new arrival, Ana -- seen below with her big sister Rachel. All together now.......aaaaaahhhhhhhh!