Issues to ponder over...

I learnt about a disturbing Hokkien phrase from my colleague Richard. It is "Ai chei, ai phei". I will not try to explain this revolting term, which has apparently been around for a long time, but it seems there are men -- from all walks of life -- who seek it. It has to do with this court-case story which appeared in today's ST (Sept 13):

The story also gives an insight into how vulnerable young girls might end up being forced into prostitution. If you believe in fate, it is a cruel intervention:

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On another grim story, the internecine civil war in Syria, events are unfolding which prove the Realist dictum that great powers will do what they will. In this case, the US and Russia have, for now, found it expedient to look for a diplomatic solution. The US, in addition, has to factor in its public's lack of enthusiasm for yet another military intervention even with the assurance that there will be no American "boots on the ground":

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Here in Singapore, the excitement is building up as this year's Formula One night race GP approaches. This time, divine intervention is being invoked:

  

I suppose the race organisers are hoping (praying?) that God is an F1 fan.
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Meanwhile, pram makers are hoping that there are parents who will be keen to give a motor racing-inspired headstart to their offspring:

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Finally, I think these three ST Forum letters raise interesting issues: