By Anthony Zurcher

In an upset of incomprehensible proportions, Japan’s rugby team defeated the heavily favored South Africans in their first match of the Rugby World Cup. Only four teams have ever beaten South Africa in a World Cup match: the New Zealand All Blacks, Australia, England, and … Japan. Standing among these monsters of the rugby pitch is no small feat in a sport notorious for its unbalanced competition and “heavyweight” teams consistently winning year after year. Pundits are already dubbing Japan’s victory a “miracle” comparable to the US hockey team beating the Soviets in 1980, Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson in 1990, or even the Giants defeating the Patriots in the 2007 Superbowl. Japan faces Scotland in their next match, and interestingly hosts the next Rugby World Cup in 2019.

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September 23, 2015

By Julie Inglese

Although Russian President Vladimir Putin said gay visitors should feel “relaxed and at ease” while in Russia for the Sochi Olympics, he also requested that they abide by a propaganda law and “leave the children in peace,” according to MSNBC. 

Russia has a propaganda law that bans the promotion of "nontraditional" sexual relationships among minors. However, the law does not define what propaganda means, leaving LGBT advocates fearful that anyone who is openly gay could be violating the law. 

Additionally, the International Olympic Committee has emphasized that the Olympic Charter bans political protests, so advocating for gay rights during the games could get someone sent home. 

Time will tell what the law really means and if it will cause trouble during the Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, the mayor of Sochi said that his city has no gay people. 

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January 31, 2014

 By Julie Inglese

“No other Winter Games has faced such an acute terror threat. No other Winter Olympics has been so engulfed in politics. No other recent Olympics has been so closely associated with one man — Putin, the "captain" of the Sochi team.” 

The Olympics is intended to bring together great athletes to create pride and unity in their countries. However, Redding explains that the world cannot stop focusing on a possible terrorist attack. An Islamic militant group in Dagestan claimed responsibility for two suicide bombings that killed 34 people in late December in Volgograd and threatened to attack the games in Sochi. 

Putin has gone through great lengths to ensure safety for all and one of the best Winter Olympics yet. Let’s hope Putin delivers. 

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January 28, 2014