Life Culture

Super-duper Super Girl

Though wildly popular, the Idol singing competitions in the West are viewed with much skepticism. Despite showing talent and having a large fan base, participants often find themselves pigeonholed. Critics claim that the competition offers an easy shortcut to stardom, and calls for neither talent nor hard work.

X-Factor's Leona Lewis charms China, rocks Japan and sets the stage for future 'Idols'

The British version of American Idol is no less popular than China's Super Girl or the original American show. Leona Lewis (pictured), 2006 winner of Britain's The X Factor, is discovering that she has an impressive fan base out East, which is testament to the show's range.

China sports films make the cut

While the world's attention is riveted on the Olympic Games and the broadcast media gear up for a frenzy of activities throughout the Olympics, Chinese filmmakers are making their own cinematic contribution with the inspirational story of China's sports heroes.

Penguins clip Red Wings in Game 3

PITTSBURGH: Sidney Crosby revived the Pittsburgh Penguins' Stanley Cup hopes by scoring twice in a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in Game 3 on Wednesday.

Biondi: Odds against Phelps eclipsing Spitz's medal haul

Odds do not favor American swimmer Michael Phelps winning seven or more gold medals in the Beijing Olympics and matching or eclipsing Mark Spitz's record, said Matt Biondi, the last swimmer to attempt it.

Sports

Top shot

Capello praises Terry after win

'Fabulous Fab' ready for Beijing Games

PARIS: A year ago, kayaker Fabien Lefevre had a broken bone in his wrist and was nursing a bruised ego.

Score board

Baseball

Sports

Real tones down Ronaldo rhetoric to appease United

LONDON: Real Madrid sought to appease Manchester United on Tuesday after the European champion threatened to report it to world soccer's governing body FIFA over its interest in Cristiano Ronaldo.