NEWSFLASH

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, May 18, 2008

Welcome to your monthly round-up of all things topical.

We take a look at what's been making the headlines in recent weeks

BURMA CYCLONE What happened?

Cyclone Nargis has killed tens of thousands of people in the Asian country of Burma after it struck the Irrawaddy delta region with catastrophic force at the start of the month.

How many people were killed, exactly?

No-one can be certain. The military junta controlling the country maintains around 34,000 people are dead, with just less than this fi gure still missing. But many people feel the junta is playing down the scale of the disaster, with the actual fi gures likely to be nearer 100,000 people dead and over a million homeless.

What is a cyclone?

In scientifi c terms, it is an area of low atmospheric pressure, marked by inwardspiralling winds that rotate either clockwise or anticlockwise, depending on which hemisphere you are in. The lowest pressure point is often referred to as the eye. The cyclone that hit Burma is reported to have reached speeds of up to 120mph and created 12ft-high tidal waves.

What can be done to help?

Countries all over the world have been working hard to provide the necessary aid, but it is a race against time, as many of the Burmese people were in poor health before the devastating cyclone. Diarrhoea is common among children and malaria cases continue to rise.

What is the hold-up?

Burma is currently a dictatorship and operates one of the most oppressive regimes on earth, with the military junta controlling almost every aspect of life. They have accepted the aid, but have refused to give foreign aid workers visas to enter the country. Burma's leaders insist they can pass on the aid themselves, but the UN disagrees.

What's next?

Many countries are pushing for deliveries to be made without Burma's consent, as just 270,000 of the 1.5 million survivors have received support so far, says the UN. The World Food Programme has managed to send 361 tonnes of aid but a further 55,000 tonnes of rice are required just to feed those in need for the next three months.

TAYSiDE TREK

Why are we boldly going to Dundee?

Because of a man called Nick Cook who lives there. The 38-year- old nurse - and dedicated Star Trek fan - has helped to launch a new internet phenomenon.

What sort of phenomenon?

Nick and his fellow pointy eared pals have created Star Trek Intrepid, a series of parodies on the cult classic, fi lming everything from a series of Scottish locations.

Surely it's all very low budget?

Well yes, but Nick, who fi lls the role of producer, has dug deep into his own pockets to make the series as realistic as possible. He has already shelled out thousands of pounds on a camera, costumes, props, petrol to reach locations and even catering for the 20 or so stars of the series, including a Spock lookalike.

How popular are they?

Apparently the first episode Heavy Lies the Crown proved a big hit at the Star Trek covention in Las Vegas, with people recognising the cast. Intrepid number one is already on-line, while the next two are in post-production.

Barack Obama

Remind me who he is again.

He is one of two Democratic party candidates hoping to become the next President of the USA. He is also the fi rst ever black man to have come so close to this most powerful of positions.

Who stands in his way?

Two things . . . well, three. There is the other Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton;

opposition Republican candidate John McCain and a whole nation of voters.

So he isn't really close at all then.

Events in the past couple of weeks say otherwise. Barack has almost ended Hillary's challenge having secured some key states in the push to be the Democratic candidate for the top job. The Hillary fund is low on cash and some of her team were even spotted queuing for a Barack autograph (some team eh).

When will he know if he can square up to McCain?

In as little as two days time, when votes from Oregon and Kentucky are counted. They would give him the majority he needs.

RANGERS

Are you talking about park rangers?

No, Glasgow Rangers. The Gers have been outstanding this season, challenging for all four available trophies despite being expected to be trailing their Old Firm rivals.

What is it down to?

A Scottish core and determination. When Walter Smith returned to the club with prodigal son Ally McCoist, blue noses expected a season of slow rebuilding. But Scots such as Allan McGregor, David Weir and captain Barry Ferguson (plus a Continental influence) have helped them to one trophy with another two still on.

Will they make it over the line?

The League Cup is already in the cabinet, the Uefa cup just slipped their grasp, and a date with First Division side Queen of the South is all that stands between them and the Scottish Cup. The SPL, however, may prove more tricky.

Why is that?

Mainly because of their own success. The fi xtures have been piling up, meaning more people likely to be suspended, injured or just plain shattered.