Latest news with #Horton
Spectator
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Spectator
What's next for Taiwan?
When Portuguese traders sailed past a verdant, mountainous land on the fringe of the Chinese empire in the mid-16th century, they named it Ihla Formosa – 'beautiful island'. But Kangxi, the third emperor of the Manchu Qing Dynasty, was less impressed when his naval forces captured it in 1683, scoffing: 'Taiwan is no bigger than a ball of mud. We gain nothing by possessing it, and it would be no loss if we did not acquire it.' Beautiful or not, Taiwan was a pirates' lair, inhabited by tattooed head-hunters and best left alone. Yet the Qing clung on to Taiwan for two centuries, with Chinese settlers gradually displacing the indigenous Austronesian population. In 1895, the island was ceded under the Treaty of Shimonoseki to Japan, which transformed it into a model colony with good sanitation, modern railways and a formal education system. When Japan surrendered to the Allies in 1945, Taiwan was occupied by the nationalist troops of Chiang Kai-shek's Republic of China (ROC). Then, in 1949, when the victorious communists founded the People's Republic of China (PRC), Chiang evacuated across the Taiwan Strait. To this day, Taiwan is officially the ROC. Contrary to the PRC's claims, Taiwan has not always been part of Chinese territory. But whether the 22 million ethnically Han Chinese who live there today are Chinese, Taiwanese or a mixture of the two is a complex and highly contested question. For Xi Jinping, however, it is straightforward. 'Blood is thicker than water, and people on both sides of the Strait are connected by blood,' he declared last year. For Chris Horton, the author of Ghost Nation and a veteran reporter who has lived in Taiwan for a decade, it is equally simple: Taiwan is not Chinese. In a punchy narrative, he sets out to 'dispel the carefully crafted disinformation sowed by Beijing'. His intention is to provide Taiwan's friends and protectors with a better understanding of its people, history and politics. His book is the result of hundreds of interviews, including one with the aged Lee Teng-hui, the 'father of Taiwan's democracy', conducted shortly before his death in 2020. Horton dips into geopolitics, explaining the strategic rationale for China to take Taiwan. But Ghost Nation is at heart a journalistic history of Taiwan's long march to become 'Asia's freest country', not a war-gaming analysis to rival the think tanks in DC. Horton is especially good on the brutality of Chiang Kai-shek's quasi-fascist Kuomintang (KMT) regime, which ruled Taiwan under martial law from 1949 to 1987. From day one it behaved like an occupying force, seizing land and plundering the island. An estimated 28,000 people died during '228'massacres in 1947 – the KMT's 'original sin'. Around two million nationalist refugees crossed the Taiwan Strait in 1948-50, adding to the existing population of approximately six million. The native Taiwanese were kept in check during the 38 years known as the White Terror, when Taiwan became a surveillance state, subject to strict indoctrination and brutal punishments. Political prisoners had sharp sticks rammed up their backsides or were forced to eat dog shit. With the end of military rule in 1987, Taiwan began the slow, difficult process of democratisation. In 2000, Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive party (DPP) became the first non-KMT president in the ROC's 55-year history. After eight years of Ma Ying-jeou's KMT government from 2008, which forged closer ties with China, the DPP returned to power under Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. Last year, she was succeeded by the DPP's Lai Ching-te, who is reviled in Beijing for describing himself as 'a pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence'. DPP governments have delivered social liberalisation – Taiwan became the first country in Asia to make same-sex marriage legal in 2019 – and fostered a strong sense of Taiwanese identity. Herein lies the problem with Horton's account. It is written entirely with a pro-independence view, hammering home the point that the KMT (and CCP) are illegitimate rulers. If so, why did a third of Taiwanese vote for the KMT in last year's election, and why does it currently dominate Taiwan's parliament? Horton is scathing of the KMT's 'ethnonationalism', but he does not acknowledge that many Taiwanese view today's DPP itself as a nationalist propaganda machine. I laughed out loud when he lambasted media organisations that decline to call Taiwan 'a country' for betraying the 'fundamental principles of objectivity in journalism'. At times his own narrative amounts to an erudite rant. This is fine for readers who understand Taiwan's deeply polarised politics, but it is hardly the 'panoramic view' promised on the dust jacket. So what next for the beautiful island? Horton warns that China is quickly closing the military gap with the US, building the forces it needs to invade. A giant amphibious assault carrier ferrying robotic attack dogs could come into service by the end of next year. Xi has allegedly told the People's Liberation Army that it must be ready to attack Taiwan by 2027 – though capability does not necessarily entail intent. A war in Taiwan, which sits on the world's busiest shipping route and manufactures 90 per cent of its most advanced semiconductors, would cause a global depression. But does Donald Trump care about Taiwan beyond its use as a bargaining chip with Beijing? We may be about to find out.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Moosomin raises most money in Sask for Tim Horton's Camp Day
Moosomin has done it again, showing how much the community cares by raising the most money in Saskatchewan for Horton's Camp Day campaign. A total of $8,609 was raised at the Moosomin Tim Horton's location, surpassing the next closest location by more than $2,000. 'I am so happy,' said Moosomin Manager Cherrie Caliwag. 'I told my staff, it's everybody's effort. Everyone who purchases bracelets, and everybody who donated, it's really a team effort.' Fundraising takes place for two weeks in advance of Camp Day, but Caliwag says July 16 is always very busy at the Moosomin store. 'I am so blessed that we are here a community where everybody supports any kind of fundraising activity,' she said. Every year on July 16, all proceeds from every hot and iced coffee purchased at Tim Horton's goes toward Tims Camps. These Special camp experiences have been empowering youth since 1974. Through those 50 years, more than 325,000 youth between 12 and 16 have been able to attend camp at no cost to them or their families. The Tim's Camps focus on youth coming from low-income backgrounds and the camping environments have proven to be a place where kids can hone social-emotional learning, relationship skills, and community connections. Ultimately, positive experiences such as the Tims Camps can help break the cycle of poverty, setting the youth of today up to thrive as adults. There are six camps in five provinces throughout Canada; two in Ontario, and one each in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta. There's one camp in the U.S. based in Kentucky as well. Since the Camp Day initiative began, over $262 million has been raised with nearly $12.8 million donated to the Foundation Camps last year alone. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
This Cubs Rookie Could Be Crucial Down Stretch
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Chicago Cubs are beginning to get excellent contributions from rookies. Between the post-All-Star break hot streak from rookie third baseman Matt Shaw to Saturday's excellent start from rookie right-hander Cade Horton, the rookies are producing. Horton especially, could be a pivotal part of what Cubs fans and front office members hope will be a deep postseason run. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 26: Pitcher Cade Horton #22 and catcher Carson Kelly #15 of the Chicago Cubs fist bump at the conclusion of the third inning of the game against the Chicago White Sox... CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 26: Pitcher Cade Horton #22 and catcher Carson Kelly #15 of the Chicago Cubs fist bump at the conclusion of the third inning of the game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on July 26, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. MoreHorton was Chicago's top pitching prospect entering the season after an offseason of recovering from injuries. He was promoted to make his MLB debut May 10 against the New York Mets and has been a mainstay in the rotation since then. After 6 1/3 shutout innings and a win against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday, Horton is now 4-3 with a 3.67 ERA in his rookie campaign. Horton has been especially good over his last seven outings, as four of those have been scoreless outings with 5 2/3 innings pitched in each one of them. Four pitchers have had 4 scoreless starts of 5+ innings since June 1. Cade Horton Matthew Boyd Tarik Skubal Paul Skenes — Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) July 27, 2025 Horton had been struggling in road starts to the tune of a 6.35 ERA prior to Saturday's stellar outing. Saturday surely could've been a huge confidence boost and exactly what Horton needed to re-gain a little confidence. The Cubs will need him to maintain that confidence, as contributions from rookies in the postseason can be one of the keys to a deep run. Take the standout performance from Evan Carter two seasons ago. Carter burst onto the scene and had a .300 average with 10 extra-base hits and a .917 OPS during the Ranger's run to the World Series. Nobody will be expecting Horton to turn into prime Jake Arrieta during the postseason, bit if he can give Chicago multiple starts of five or six innings, the Cubs will have to like their chances of winnings those games. A postseason trio of Horton, Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga would be one of the best in all of baseball and could be the reason Chicago wins its first World Series since 2016. More MLB: Dodgers to Consider Reunion With Playoff Hero: Report
4 days ago
- Sport
Happ and Shaw homer as the Cubs shut down the White Sox for a 6-1 victory
CHICAGO -- Ian Happ and Matt Shaw homered in the seventh inning, helping Cade Horton and the Chicago Cubs beat the Chicago White Sox 6-1 on Saturday night. There was no score when Happ's one-out shot off Jordan Leasure (3-6) went just over the wall in right-center for his 14th homer. Nico Hoerner hit a two-out single ahead of Shaw's drive over the home bullpen in left. Shaw also walked with the bases loaded in the eighth. The rookie is batting .478 (11 for 23) with four homers and nine RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak since the All-Star break. The Cubs (61-43) moved into a tie for the NL Central lead with Milwaukee, which lost 7-4 to Miami. They had dropped four of five, including a 12-5 loss to the last-place White Sox on Friday. The White Sox played without center fielder Luis Robert Jr. for the second straight game. Robert is dealing with some adductor soreness. The South Siders had been on a tear since the break, outscoring opponents 61-28 while winning six of seven. But they were shut down by Horton (4-3) and three relievers. Horton pitched 6 1/3 innings of four-hit ball in his first win since June 3. The right-hander tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a no-decision against Boston in his previous start. The Cubs were working on a shutout before Mike Tauchman homered in the ninth against Ryan Pressly. The White Sox wasted a sharp performance by Aaron Civale, who struck out six in five innings at Rate Field. The right-hander threw 69 pitches, 47 for strikes. The White Sox threatened in the first, putting runners on the corners with one out, but Miguel Vargas grounded into an inning-ending double play. The Cubs lead 76-75 in the all-time series between the teams. ___
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Rookies Cade Horton and Matt Shaw lead Cubs to 6-1 City Series win over White Sox — and back into 1st-place tie
Cade Horton seemed unfazed by the game's circumstances. For six innings in the City Series matchup Saturday night, the Cubs and White Sox matched zeros in front of a split sellout crowd of 38,432 at Rate Field. Horton rarely faced trouble, deftly navigating a one-out walk and single in the first inning with a double play. He allowed only two hits over the next five-plus innings, and the Cubs got to the Sox's bullpen in the seventh and eighth for a 6-1 win. The two 23-year-old Cubs rookies, Horton and third baseman Matt Shaw, delivered in a bounce-back effort following the Sox's series-opening win Friday. Horton finished with 6 1/3 shutout innings while Shaw's heater continued with three-RBI night, including a two-run home run. Horton's competitiveness has shined. Since getting roughed up in Houston on June 27, Horton hasn't allowed a run in three of his last four starts while posting 1.52 ERA in that span. That start against the Astros — he allowed seven earned runs in four innings — account for one-fourth of the earned runs Horton has allowed this season. Excluding that game, Horton has posted a 2.92 ERA in 64.2 innings (12 outings). 'He's not going to let the previous pitch affect the next pitch, and that's a real skill,' Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. 'I'm saying that as a compliment because that's hard to do in this game, and Cade's excellent at it, and it contributes to his success.' The Cubs have won eight of the last nine games in the City Series. They moved back into a first-place tie in the division with the victory coupled with the Milwaukee Brewers' loss to the Miami Marlins. The Cubs face the Brewers in a three-game series in Milwaukee beginning Monday. 'Horton did a nice job with the fastball, kind of had us on our heels,' Sox manager Will Venable said. 'I didn't think we made the adjustment that we needed to to get on the heater, and he beat us all day.' The Cubs couldn't get anything going early against Aaron Civale. The Sox right-hander retired the first 11 batters before Seiya Suzuki singled with two outs in the fourth. Civale allowed three hits and struck out six in five scoreless innings. 'Just a good game plan going in,' Civale said. '(Catcher Kyle) Teel and I were on the same page, just really focused on setups and getting to certain zones and mixing it around. So credit to him for all the work he's been putting in.' City Series photos: Cubs beat White Sox 6-1 at Rate FieldThe curveball, in particular, served as an effective pitch. 'Felt like I found a new gear, or an old gear,' Civale said with a chuckle. 'So trying to get that back to where it was, and I feel like I got to a really good spot tonight.' Civale exited after 69 pitches. With three lefties in the first four spots due up in the sixth, Venable said, 'It was a really good spot for (lefty Tyler) Alexander.' 'Just felt like Aaron had done his job, and he was great too,' Venable said. 'That was as good as we've seen him.' The Cubs got to the Sox bullpen in the seventh, with Jordan Leasure allowing home runs to Ian Happ and Shaw. 'That's a good offense and they made him pay for mistakes,' Venable said. Column: A kinder, gentler City Series? Say it ain't so, Cubs didn't make many mistakes, limiting a club that had been averaging 8.7 runs per game since the All-Star break to just a Mike Tauchman home run in the ninth. 'They are a really good ballclub too,' Sox third baseman Colson Montgomery said. 'So, last night our pitching, they were dominant and they were still good today. Sometimes (the other team) play(s) good too.' Shaw's two-run blast put the Cubs up 3-0 in the seventh. In eight games since the All-Star break, Shaw is 11-for-23 (.478) with four home runs, nine RBIs and six runs scored. He worked a bases-loaded walk in the eighth against Sox reliever Dan Altavilla to build a six-run Cubs lead, which allowed Counsell to stay away from closer Daniel Palencia. 'I think just playing free and really having a lot of fun has been really huge for me,' Shaw said. 'The All-Star break was nice to get some perspective and kind of take a step back, and then just coming back and really just enjoying playing.' Happ's solo home run in the seventh delivered the game's first run — though he witnessed his former teammate Tauchman nearly rob him of the long ball. 'It was a little scary,' Happ said with a grin. 'I thought I got it a hair better than that. I've seen him do it before, so I'm glad he couldn't get to that one.' Amid a tough stretch for Happ, who entered the game hitting .128 with a .437 OPS in his last 90 plate appearances, the home run finally gave the veteran something positive to potentially build off of. It marked only his second homer in the last month. 'Sometimes you just need success,' Counsell said. 'We can say everything you want to a player, but you need some success, and you need to be part of a win and contribute to a win. Ian did in a big way tonight. And that's as important as anything. That reinforces it's there. 'Sometimes you go through these bad stretches that we don't want to go through. But we need him to be himself, and we saw that tonight.'
