No, I know that the Others have outside world contact. Ben showed Jack a tape of the Red Socks winning the world series, Juliet's playing CD's and not records (like in the Swan), Juliet recorded a video so she must have a video or digital camera somewhere, the newer washing machine in the Swan etc... I believe that the Losties were purposely on flight 815, ergo the complete life works of each one of them in the hands of the Others. My point might have been something to the effect of Mikhail maybe was on the same side as Ben (the Others) because he had that personal knowledge of everyone just like Ben and the Others did. (Don't forget Bea Klugh in season 2 was talking to Tom and Bena at the Pala Ferry like they were on the same team; then Bea Klugh turns up at Mikhail Barunin's house and he was suppose to be on the other side.)

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`Dear, dear! How queer everything is to-day! And yesterday things went on just as usual. I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think: was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is, Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle!'

-- Alice, from “Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland”