Olympic Success (Sports)

Beijing Olympics rocks. Do not listen to what human rights or "Free-Tibet" activists say. It was the best Olympics ever.

China won a total of 51 golds. The 100m dash and 200m run records were broken by Bolt. Phelps won 8 gold medals in swimming. And Singapore finally won a silver medal!

Regardless what the detracters say, Singaporeans won the medal.

Did you see the opening and closing ceremony? It was reeking of pure awesomeness!

CDI

The Alternative: What an Olymics!

Civil War? (International News)

Imagine you have Country A, which also consists of Regions B and C. Regions B and C want independence, and Country A refused to give it to them. They revolt, so Country A sends troops into B and C to stablise the areas. Bear in mind that B and C also have their own forces and 'stablise' here means a form of mlitary action.

Then neighbouring Country D intervenes, saying that B and C consists of its citizens and send troops in that area. A of course, is not happy-- to A, it is like an invasion. So, fighting starts.

That's the simplified version of the 2008 South Ossetia war, occuring now. Substitute A as Georgia, B and C as South Ossetia and Abkhazia and D as Russia.

Hundreds have died in the war (or thousands if you believe the Russian estimates) since it started on 7th August 2008. What a way to celebrate the Olympics.

Hope seems to be settling in though. The EU has managed to negotiate a cease-fire on 14 August.

Ben Tan

The Alternative: Peace-loving

The Dark Knight Review (Entertainment)

A question on movie-goers' minds is how does the new Batman film hold up?

In two words-- IT ROCKS. It takes you in an emotional rollercoaster, one of those few movies where the commoners are the heroes. The plot twist caught most by surprise, and was that good. Gary Oldman and Heath Ledger were great, and the latter's performance as the Joker was top-notch. Some would complain about the lack of Batarangs, but that would be nit-picking.

It may have been less fun-loving and more dark than Iron Man, but it was definitely a better movie.

Overall: 95/100

Nurlisa

The Alternative: Battier than ever

Faith Healing: Does it work? (Medical news)

Despite being up-to-date in medical news, I rarely see reports of medical miracles in the reports. Maybe it's something we just don't talk about. Some people argue that it that if God really heals, why don't amputees get their limbs back?

I had a similar line of thought, until I spoke with my editor, defensedefumer. He told me that God often heals though doctors and that His healing often gets to the root of the problem, rather than the problem itself. I have heard of cases where the deaf hear again, and the blind see again.

I was doubtful about this till I read "Alpha: Questions of Life" by Nicky Gumbel. There was a case where an woman's leg was not healed until she learnt to forgive. I begin to understand about that when Jesus, whose miracles were well documented sent out all his disciples to teach people to obey everything He had commanded them. This includes the healing bit.

Does faith healing work? Yes it does. Because I have seen it.

Dr. Storm

The Alternative: It rocks!

Faith Like a Child? (Philosophy)

Questioning authority seems to be a rather 'in' thing these days. It seems wise and funky to doubt, second-guess people or even challenge their knowledge.

Rarely, do we ever point the gun to our own head. If what we are doing selfish? Does it glorify ourselves at the expenese of others?

Furthermore, there is a time and place to question authority. For instance, it is just plain wrong to do it in the middle of an emergency!

Now, I'm not saying that question is bad, I'm just saying that more often than not, it is done at the wrong time, and we should first look at the mirror before we judge.

Sometimes, especially to those who loves us, we should not ask why, because we simply trust them, and that's all we need to know.

the 198

The Alternative: Not fearing to ask 'why?'

Iron Man Review (Entertainment)

In case you don't know it yet, Iron Man is Marvel's first attempt to make a film all by themselves. How did they do?

Well, the story is well-paced and my only complain is an abrupt ending. It details the orgin of Tony Stark, his life changing tragedy and his attempts to right his past wrongs.

The casting is great, with Robert Downey Jr. excelling in his role as Iron Man/Tony Stark. During the filming it was reported that he was very passionate about his role, and it clearly showed in the movie. The rest of the cast perform just as well, making this villain to hero storyline fresh. My only shcoked was that Gwyneth Paltrow looked a little hagard than her previous films.

The action sequences are definately the highlight here, and the film simply looks fantastic. Watch this movie, and be sure to stay back for the scene after the credits!

Overall: 89/100

Torch;D

127 years of debating for an opera house? (Arts)

After 127 years of dicussion, Norway finally opened the Olso Opera House on 12 April 2008.

The delay was due to disagreement of budgets between the contractors, the government and the residents.

Nurlisa

The Alternative: Wow! That's a long wait!

The San Francisco Olympic Trick (International News)

The 2008 Olympic Torch relay, has been met with widespread protests all over the globe. The protestor's main concern-- the sporting event, which celebrate the Human Spirit is going to be held in a country known for its violation of human rights (China).

The protests were particularly chaotic in London and Paris, and the torch was extinguished several times in Paris. So faced with the same problem in San Francisco, the organisers came up with a solution-- change the route without informing the protesters. The plan was a success, as the relay went on peacefully.

Natasha Romanov

The Alternative: Screwing the rules!

First Korean in Space (International News)

It's official, Yi So-yeon is the first Korean in space. The 30 year-old astronaunt was sent to space with two other Russians as part of her Russian space training programme. They were launched into space on 8th April.

Not only is she assigned to monitor the behaviour of flies on board the flight, she will also observe her facial features and the activity of her heart in space.

Personally I have never been a supporter of space science, as its applications has been limited at best. Although its side products has been useful commercially, we as a globe stand little to gain from such ventures. The money could be better spent elsewhere.

Natasha Romanov

The Alternative: Listening to logic

Death of Ah Meng (Local News)

On 8 Feburary 2008, Ah Meng passed away in the Singapore zoo, nearing the age of 48. Recovered by a veterinian in 1971, she had been the mascot for the Singapore Zoo. A huge memorial was held for her on 10 Feburary 2008 at the zoo. A statue of her will also be built.

Say what you will about this, but I am respectful of Ah Meng. It's like losing a legend or an icon of Singapore. Bye Ah Meng, you will be missed.

Ben Tan

The Alternative: Honouring the honoured

UMNO suffers a setback (International News)

In a recent turn of events, UMNO the current ruling Malaysian party lost 5 states to the opposition, making its biggest election loss since Malaysia was given self-governance. Before the election, UMNO was making headlines for its incompetance, corruption and tactlessness.

I hope this shows a lesson that no one can get away with it.

Natasha Romanov

The Alternative: Embracing honesty

Singapore to host Youth Olypmics in 2010! (Sports)

As you all have read but now, Singapore has succeeded in its bid to host the above event.

I'm personally quite pleasantly surprised by the news. Our soccer team doesn't suck now, and Singapore is slowly becoming a sports hub.

CDI

The Alternative: Being glad that no one cares!