The attack on the border patrol in Xinjiang yesterday is the only news shocking enough to capture a piece of the Chinese mind that’s been occupied with the Olympics. The investigation and interrogation yield important information that an Islamic separatist group in Xinjiang was responsible for the attack. Does anyone have the answer as to why every rich country in the world has to deal with terrorism? Some people are genetically programmed to attack rich nations and their citizens? I don’t get it.

Front page Story

The Olympic torch relay will start in Beijing today. One correction from yesterday’s headline, Yao will be the 9th torch bearer. However, he will not light the Olympic fire at the Opening Ceremony on Friday. Too bad for Yao, but I guess that does beg the question: who will light the Olympic fire? Mao?

Other headlines today

• The front page story leads to another headline on the front page, which includes a picture of the sky. The clouds in the picture supposedly resemble a phoenix. This leads to the conclusion that the Olympic fire will be lit in a phoenix-like ceremony, or dragon-like? Like I said before, the papers are trying too hard to provoke interest. It is really getting ridiculous.

• Shanghai city police will ride buses and subways undercover during the Olympic soccer games. New cameras have been installed as well. This is a tough time for all the thieves that make a living by grabbing cell phones and wallets. Hang tough, guys, or you can always get a real job.

• I have always thought the Olympics started after the Opening Ceremony. But actually the Games begin today at 5pm as the women’s soccer teams begin the fight for glory. With two of their starter out on injure, the Chinese team will face Switzerland. The Chinese are trying to break an 8-year losing streak. Really tough for them, but I have a feeling the Chinese women is ready to take this challenge.

• Another 6.1 magnitude aftershock hit Sichuan yesterday killing 1 and injuring 23. 2008 is a rough year not only for China but the world. We should all hold on and look at what’s happening around us as road blocks to a brighter future.

• Having an optimistic outlook is harder for those who have a stake in the Chinese A-share market. Another new low was reached yesterday.

• The Chinese housing market is also looking bleak. The leading developer Wan Ke announced today in a press conference that it has lowered its outlook for the second half of 2008. Wan Ke will also start to cut prices for many of its real estate properties across China. Other developers are expected to follow suit. 2008 is tough year indeed.

• Finish off today with a bit of good news. Another typhoon ‘Kammuri’ is expected to hit Canton and keep the temperatures in Shanghai at ease. Highest today 34. Stay strong, y'all. I'm out.

Zaobao! Zabao! is a daily article by Li Yizhong that translates and puts into brief perspective the headlines of the Shanghai Morning Post's daily newspaper. Read more of his work on the Zaobao! Zaobao! blog.