China's C919 passenger jet wins first orders

Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (Comac) has taken its first orders for the C919 passenger planes from three domestic airlines and General Electric's leasing arm.

The orders are being seen as a vote of confidence in state-owned Comac.

The move may also mark a challenge to the dominance of Boeing and Airbus who have virtual control of the trillion dollar aircraft industry.

Comac expects to sell more than 2,000 C919s over the next 20 years.

Huge market

China is the world's fastest growing major economy and its domestic air travel market is set to expand rapidly over the next decade.

A billion Chinese are predicted to be flying for business and leisure in the near future and China is keen to reduce its reliance on foreign planes.

"The customer signing lays a market foundation for the C919, which has smoothly entered the engineering development phase," Comac chairman Zhang Qingwei said in a statement.

Speaking at a Comac press conference to announce the order, the company's chief accountant, Tian Min, said: "In the future we expect to see 3,000 new planes here in China and more than 30,000 new planes globally. So this is a very big market."

The model, which has 166 seats competes with Boeing's 737 and the Airbus A320.

According to estimates by Boeing, this segment of the market could be worth $1.7trillion over the next 20 years.

But neither Airbus nor Boeing showed signs of being troubled by the entry of the Chinese into their market.

Speaking at the Zhuhai Air Show in China, Laurence Barron, Airbus's top China executive, said: "We were born into competition 40 years ago and now we are number one. Frankly we are used to it. Where's the big deal?"

And Jim Simon, Boeing's vice-president for China commercial sales, said: "It makes the industry better, frankly, because it makes us sharper at our game."

Comac expects to start building the aircraft next year, followed by a maiden flight in 2014 with first delivery in 2016.

China, now developing rapidly, has come out with jetliners too. There are 2 other Jet companies, Airbus and Boeing,  which will be competing with Comac. The report says that neither Airbus nor Boeing showed signs of troubled by the entry of the Chinese, but i suppose Comac will give a tough fight too.

done by Chun Kit

Soldiers end Madagascar officer 'mutiny'

Gunshots rang out shortly before reports emerged that the rebels had given themselves up for arrest.

The mutineers had been holed up in the barracks near the airport of the capital, Antananarivo, since announcing a takeover of the island on Thursday.

Some of the rebels were themselves part of a coup that brought President Andry Rajoelina to power in 2009.

Mr Rajoelina has been diplomatically isolated since coming to power in March 2009 and has ignored attempts by regional mediators to broker a consensus with the opposition.

Madagascar has been beset by instability for several years.

Quick operation

Hundreds of troops were seen heading towards the compound on Saturday, before reports emerged of shots being fired.

"The operation is over. They gave themselves up. It has ended without bloodshed," Alain Ramaroson, head of the country's Senate defence council, told AFP news agency.However, the situation was soon brought under control, with reports that the renegades had surrendered themselves into custody.

He said the whole operation was over within 20 minutes, AFP added.

The rebel officers made their coup claim as Madagascar prepared to vote in a referendum for a new constitution that would allow Mr Rajoelina to extend his term in office. 

This rebellious act occur probably because the government itself is corrupted. The officers may have already seen what was Mr Rajoelina's motive. 

Done by: Chun Kit 

A ROYAL ENGAGEMENT:




Prince William and Kate Middleton had their relationship started back back in 2001, in St. Andrew University in Scotland as students. Slowly as their relationship became more of an interest to the media, Kate Middleton quickly became the focus. Following the publication of a photo showing her on a London bus, her lawye wrote to newspaper and magazine editors asking them to repect her privacy. In 2006, Kate Middleton was first seen at a high-public profile event also attended by the Queen and other senior royals.
Their relationship was coming down under strain as photographers follow Kate Middleton's every move. The couple broke up in April 2007, they insisted they were 'good friends'. Not too long later, they were seen frequently together once again. From then, Kate Middleton has been reappearing at official engagements. A brief statement released by Clarence House was made saying that they will marry in London in spring or summer in 2011.

Personal comments:
It is said that Prince William and Kate Middleton's marriage will bring about a small boost in London's economy. This, in my opinion is quite true. I believe many from all around the world will flock to London to witness their prestigious wedding ceremony. Even if public is not allowed to view the process, people will still fulfil their curiosity by flying over there to experience the mood and happiness. This royal engagement will be a huge one and highly publicised, being the headline of the news. In my point of view, Kate Middle presents herself well and gives me the feeling that she is capable of handling her royal position-to-be. Although there has been a lot of pressure on her regarding having her privacy disturbed by the media, but i believe that the media will settle down abit in a couple of years to come. They have my blessings.

-Chua Rui Yi, 21 November 2010

"The Silent Evolution"

Over 400 Pieces of Sculptural 

A beautiful underwater museum created by Artist Jason deCaires Taylor has become one of the most attractive place in Mexico, National Marine Park. This impressive underwater art exhibits 400 sculptures of people standing silently on the ocean's floor with their eyes closed and heads tilted towards the surface. Those sculptures were created to replace coral reefs that are polluted around the coastal area. 

Jason deCaires took 18 months to complete the sculptures using 120 tons of cement, sand and gravel. It costed $250,000 to create the beautiful art pieces. 

This unique idea of creating coral reefs using natural resources has attracted many tourist to visit Mexico. They can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving by viewing those human made sculptures as deep as 9 meters. 

Jason had done a great job to save the coral and all the creatures which live at the bottom of the ocean. Isn't it amazing to have such a great idea? It creates a perfect combination between art and nature. 

The sculptures have 'Human Look' to give us the idea of another evolution form underwater. If there is a chance for me to go Mexico, I would want to visit this beautiful place which is unique and inspiring. It's a place for everyone to enjoy simple yet unique art.

By: Norika Tjoe 

"Honeymoon killer" in limbo as Australia jail term ends

SYDNEY - An American jailed over his wife's death on a honeymoon diving trip left prison Thursday but remained in custody as Australia seeks pledges he will not face execution if deported to the United States.

Bubble-wrap salesman David "Gabe" Watson, dubbed the "Honeymoon Killer" by media after admitting his wife's manslaughter on the Great Barrier Reef in 2003, was in immigration detention after being freed from a northeastern jail.

Australia is seeking written guarantees Watson, who served just 18 months, will not risk the death penalty if he faces trial in his home state of Alabama.

Diving novice Christina Watson, 26, drowned after her husband, an experienced rescue diver, failed to inflate her buoyancy vest or remove weights to bring her to the surface and instead went to get help.

Christina was pulled from the ocean floor by a diving instructor. The couple had been married just 11 days and were honeymooning on the world-famous reef.

An inquest heard earlier that a fellow diver saw Gabe Watson bear-hugging his wife underwater before he re-surfaced while she sank to the ocean floor.

In mid-2008, coroner David Glasgow found it was likely Watson killed his wife by holding her underwater and turning off her air supply, adding he may have been seeking a life insurance payout.

At a later trial Watson pleaded guilty to manslaughter and, after an appeal, was jailed for 18 months, a sentence which he has now served.

Australia has received assurances over Watson from Alabama Attorney-General Troy King, but wants a further, written guarantee from US Attorney-General Eric Holder, which could take weeks or months to obtain.

Australian law prevents suspects from being surrendered for extradition if it could result in their death.

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen denied media reports that Watson was asked to sign his "death warrant" when given a document outlining a possible death sentence if he returns to the United States.

Personal comment:
I think diving is quite a risky activity, there should be a diving expert companion at all times when under the water. With regards to this incident, i think that the problem lies not only in the diving aspect, but marriage as well. Also, in my opinion, a jail term lasting 18months for a death case is too short. Afterall, it's a life lost. Furthermore, the death did not happen accidentally, but deliberately. Based on the fact that it had been an intended one, shouldnt the sentence be heavier? Now that the murderer has been freed, who knows who will be the next victim? This case, in my opinion, has been looked upon too lightly.
If i were to be the diving instructor, i will make sure that i am with my non-experienced divers at all times under the water. This is my responsibility to ensure their safety. Their payment to this activity that i'm in-charged of, is for both enjoyment and safety. Thus, i believe the diver expert who were with the couple could have been more careful and conscious.

- Chua Rui Yi, 13 November 2010