Poke! Punch bear to save dog!; North Korea's first cruise ship; Riverfire (2nd September 2011)

Soft-news today. Relax and stop reading critics about Julia Gillard and her supportive team!

Alaska woman punches bear, saved her dog [Brisbane Times]

BAM!! In your face, bear!

A very courageous but life-risking act by a 22-year-old girl, who did the first thing she thought of and punched the bear's face and scooped away her dog when it let go. Brooke Collins saw the black bear was attacking her dog as the bear was carrying her dog away just like a salmon. So imagine, as your precious puppy friend was in danger, would you just dash to the bear and punch it into the nose? I bet not. But the scenario would be quite funny as. The dog suffered minor claw marks and bites, and looks like the girl has conquered the wild!

North Korea launches its first cruise ship [Brisbane Times]

I think this is a rather ironic news for North Korea because it has been cut away from the outside world for decades, and the people in there are suffering from poverty and strange government. But the regime had invited more than 120 journalists and Chinese tour operators on board the newly-renovated, 39-year-old Man Gyong Bong ship for a trial run of the 21-hour journey. Inside it is surely not as glamorous as those cruise ships we'd think. Instead, passengers has to sleep on the floor and bathrooms are out of water as well. Apparently the government is trying to whack up their tourism a bit just to support their ever-failing economy. Nice try though, but I think I'll never go there EVER in my life. Think of this: no water? sleeping on the floor? I'm not gonna pay for that for my vacation!

Riverfire! Riverfire! Riverfire! [Quest | Courier Mail]

South Bank will be a rather packed place because Riverfire is coming on Saturday! This year's highlight will be the fireworks used in the event. The crew this year has prepared 4000 aerial rockets, and 15,000 shooting comets and mines during the course of 3-month preparation. However, this year we will not be able to see the chopper throwing down fireballs though. But anyhow, tourists and crowds alike will certainly enjoy this wonderful evening with fireworks all bloomed across the night. I hope I can get on with my mates together and shove in with all the people gathered along the riversides

D.