Showing 1 - 10 of 69
A trip to the far side of the Moon
Roger Crutchley, Published on 05/04/2026
» The current Moon mission has been a most welcome distraction from the depressing events in the Middle East. Watching the launch of Artemis II from the Kennedy Space Center it was hard not to feel that tingle of excitement which accompanies such a liftoff as the crew headed into space. They will even have a rare look at the far side of the lunar surface. We wish them a safe flight.
Cornflakes, cats and grizzly bears
Roger Crutchley, Published on 08/03/2026
» Readers are no doubt aware that the official codename for the current US action in the Middle East is Operation Epic Fury which admittedly sounds more like the title of a martial arts B movie. It should not be confused with Operation Urgent Fury, the name given to the US invasion of Grenada back in 1983 during the Reagan administration. Israel incidentally has its own name for the current mission, Operation Roaring Lion.
Killing the goose that lays the Olympic gold medal
Oped, Nancy Qian, Published on 24/02/2026
» The Olympic Games have always been about more than sports, with the medal count serving as a measure of national vitality. The 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina are no different. The Americans, like everyone else, want confirmation of their preeminence. So important is that outcome that even US Vice President JD Vance briefly acknowledged the value of non-white immigration to the United States when he complained that Eileen Gu, the US-born medal-winning skier for China, should be competing under the American flag.
Wall Street risks shorting freedom in HK
Oped, Mark L Clifford, Published on 31/10/2025
» In early November, Wall Street's big guns will head to Hong Kong for a global financial summit, dining at the Palace Museum (featuring Chinese imperial works on loan from Beijing) before meeting at the nearby Rosewood Hotel -- one of the city's swankiest. There, the top brass from Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan and another 100 financial firms will enjoy delicious food and breathtaking views as Hong Kong's leaders pitch them on the profits to be made in the former British colony.
Good time to celebrate verbal gaffes
Roger Crutchley, Published on 12/10/2025
» Tomorrow happens to be Plain English Day which has in recent years morphed into International Plain Language Day designed to promote the proper use of language. In other words the aim is to cut out all the gibberish, mumbo jumbo, codswallop, balderdash, tripe, tommyrot, twaddle, tosh and bosh you may have become accustomed to… heaven forbid, some of it even in PostScript.
When 'cute' takes on another meaning
Thana Boonlert, Published on 25/09/2025
» Polcasan captivates fans with his playfulness. In a video, despite his gibberish rapping, the youngest star earns a big cheer. He dispenses touches, hugs, and waves. When he bounces, shakes his butt, and caresses his belly, his movement arouses an irresistible urge to cuddle. He appears in a wide range of activities, from shows and fan meetings to advertisements. In only a year and a half, he has drawn a huge following, with over 222,000 followers on Instagram.
What is the Gaza war costing us?
Oped, Abdullah Gül, Published on 27/08/2025
» As the horrors in Gaza continue, owing to the lack of any plan to end the violence, it is necessary to ask what the costs will be, not just regionally but globally. The suffering inflicted upon innocent civilians in Gaza has become almost indescribable. Yet Israel has decided to redouble its military operation, opening another phase in its regional expansionist policy, with severe ramifications for international peace and security, as well as for Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
USAID finds no signs of massive Hamas aid theft
Jonathan Landay, Published on 26/07/2025
» An internal US government analysis found no evidence of systematic theft by the Palestinian militant group Hamas of US-funded humanitarian supplies, challenging the main rationale that Israel and the US give for backing a new armed private aid operation.
An anniversary worth celebrating
Oped, Jonathan Kings, Published on 24/06/2025
» This year marks a significant milestone for New Zealand's relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) -- 50 years of formal dialogue relations. This anniversary is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to this important partnership and a strong future together.
Rethinking leadership in Thailand
News, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 14/06/2025
» Thailand stands at a development crossroads. On the surface, the nation has invested heavily in education, innovation, and technical training. Each year, it produces a new wave of high-achieving graduates, particularly in the fields of science and technology. Yet, the country remained mired in a persistent middle-income trap. The question is not whether Thailand has talent, but whether it has the institutional culture and civic direction to channel that talent into meaningful national progress.