REUTERS/Pichi Chuang
Taiwan set to complete the transition to democracy. By Jonathan Manthorpe, International Affairs Column
Taiwan has surged over the hump of its 35-year voyage from a military-ruled, one-party state to one of the most successful and vibrant democracies in Asia.
The Donald Trump meme: nostalgia for a fantasy. By Tom Regan, Summoning Orenda Column
Yankee Dollars and Florida Development: Henry Flagler and Julia Tuttle. By Jim McNiven, Thoughtlines Column
There is a point in each Canadian winter, as the cold sets in following December’s holiday season, that Canadians start to dream of warmer weather. Soon, the annual ‘snowbird’ migration begins to the American south. This is the story of how their destination came to exist.
Reports:
How coal left scars on a Chinese town. By Jason Lee, Photo-essay Report
Giant mounds of unsold coal sprout weeds in the makeshift depots marking nearly every junction, and bitter Siberian winds blow sulphurous dust through streets peopled by laid-off miners. The northeast mining city of Jixi bears the scars of China’s slowing economy and ailing heavy industry.
Momentum fading for global economic growth. By Rahul Karunakar. Report
Economic growth is losing momentum across emerging and developed economies as is inflation, with trouble in China now the biggest worry for 2016, according to the overwhelming majority of hundreds of economists polled by Reuters around the world.
Six science mysteries to be solved in 2016. By Gavin Hesketh, Louise Gentle, and Simon Cotton Report
From the origin of life to the fate of the universe, scientists simply don’t know everything — but we are making progress.
ICYMI, earlier stories:
Heartbreak in starving Syrian town. By Lisa Barrington and Stephanie Nebehay
Aid workers who reached a besieged Syrian town spoke of “heartbreaking” conditions being endured by emaciated and starving residents, with hundreds in need of specialised medical help.
Cancer claims music legend Davie Bowie, 69. By Paul Sandle and Guy Faulconbridge
David Bowie, the visionary British rock star who framed hits such as “Space Oddity” with flamboyant pop personas like “Ziggy Stardust” and androgynous displays of sexuality, died January 10, aged 69 after a secret battle with cancer.
David Bowie, an extraordinary innovator, by Mike Jones
Globalization: elite British golfers rue sale to Chinese investors. By Estelle Shirbon
Wealthy Brits at an elite golf course are in high dudgeon at being pushed out by foreign buyers who are richer yet. As Reuters reports, the club controversy feeds into a wider debate in Britain over perceptions that prime assets are being sold off to foreigners who may not always have local interests at heart.
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