Calendar seller makes his date with despair

Ren Yongjun quit smoking when his son was born two years ago. However, he has recently started again and is now smoking more than ever.

'It's like torture being here'

Yan Xingjun has been selling flowers at Yuquanying Flower and Gifts Market in Beijing for 12 years. He specializes in moth orchids, pretty, light-colored flowers that are often displayed in public places such as airport and hotels. Until recently, business was good, so good in fact that his wife quit her job to help him run the 150-square-meter store.

Russian police round up dozens

Russian police detained dozens of people on Tuesday in sweeps through Volgograd after two deadly attacks in less than 24 hours that raised security fears ahead of the Winter Olympics.

Israel frees 26 Palestinian prisoners

Israel released more than two dozen Palestinian prisoners convicted in deadly attacks against Israelis early on Tuesday as part of a US-brokered package to restart Mideast peace talks.

S. Sudan fighting flares as cease-fire deadline arrives

Anti-government rebels in South Sudan attacked the key town of Bor on Tuesday, ignoring a deadline set by regional powers to stop fighting and hold peace talks.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Keeping their motors running

'They've all got little quirks, like cars. Some you've got to jiggle the key in the ignition. Some ride hot. Some need a jump-start. But they've all got wheels. You just need to know which pedal to push."

On the couch

At Ma Li's psychosexual therapy center in Shanghai, the color scheme in the consulting room is relaxing; pale yellows, light greens and blues. Soft mats and cushions allow the patients to make themselves comfortable.

In memory of unnamed war heroes

Sixty years after an armistice agreement was signed, the remains of more than 400 Chinese soldiers killed in the Korean War (1950-53) are set to finally head home.

The new temples of a twilight age

Guan Hehua never imagined that a visit to Jixiang Temple in Shaxian county, Fujian province, would result in her bidding farewell to normal family life and moving to the temple to live with 100 other seniors.

Competition and chaos

With the China National Committee on Aging estimating an elderly population of 221 million by 2015, the huge potential for private senior healthcare has seen the number of luxurious nursing homes blossom.

Hebei aims for pollution fight to bear fruit

Liu Dashan opened a paper bag and took out an apple only slightly larger than a squash ball.