Stacy Summary:  As we have already picked up all the worst habits of the ex Soviet police states, I suppose we can look ahead to the more innovating Chinese police state to inspire Hollywood and other pals of Bono?

• China’s Karaoke Crackdown

China’s karaoke bars are being monitored as part of the government’s crackdown on vulgarity and dissent.

Nearly 180 bars in the city of Chongqing and hundreds more around the country have installed the government’s National Karaoke Content Management System or “The Black Box” as it is more popularly known, which monitors the playlist remotely and automatically calls the police if a warbler selects a vulgar tune or banned song.

The system is also aimed at stopping piracy, as it logs unlicensed imports of music.