American Culture in the Capital of Communism

Can an American Orchestra Help to Open Up a New Relationship with North Korea?

I'm halfway around the world today, in a country where everyone has been raised to think of the United States as an enemy, but where, in just a few days, it will hear one of our premier orchestras play.

On Feb. 26, the New York Philharmonic will play a groundbreaking concert in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea -- a place that has been called "Hermit Kingdom" for its desire to stay separate from the world. This unusual opportunity began with a surprising fax the Philharmonic received from the North Korean government last August, inviting it to come and perform. >>>>

Archeologists find 5,500-year-old plaza in Peru

A ceremonial plaza built 5,500 years ago has been discovered in Peru, and archeologists involved in the dig said on Monday carbon dating shows it is one of the oldest structures ever found in the Americas.

A team of Peruvian and German archeologists uncovered the circular plaza, which was hidden beneath another piece of architecture at the ruins known as Sechin Bajo, in Casma, 229 miles north of Lima, the capital. Friezes depicting a warrior with a knife and trophies were found near the plaza.

"It's an impressive find; the scientific and archeology communities are very happy," said Cesar Perez, the scientist at Peru's National Institute of Culture who supervised the project. "This could redesign the history of the country.">>>>

Brazilian Shantytown Has $1M Views

Ignore Their Reputations, Favelas Worth Visiting

Favela: It's a word that arouses both fear and fascination. Its feral side has been captured in films such as "City of God" and more recently, the award-winning "Elite Forces."

In Rio, there are an estimated 700 of these shantytowns clinging precariously to the city's hills. About 1 million people inhabit these poverty-stricken enclaves, often at the mercy of the drug trafficker.

Every so often, police conduct raids to clear the area of traffickers but these actions often result in the dead bodies of innocent bystanders. >>>>

German police dogs to wear shoes

Police dogs in the western city of Duesseldorf will no longer get their feet dirty when on patrol — the entire dog unit will soon be equipped with blue plastic fiber shoes, a police spokesman said Monday.

"All 20 of our police dogs — German and Belgian shepherds — are currently being trained to walk in these shoes," Andre Hartwich said. "I'm not sure they like it, but they'll have to get used to it."

The unusual footwear is not a fashion statement, Hartwich said, but rather a necessity due to the high rate of paw injuries on duty. Especially in the city's historical old town — famous for both its pubs and drunken revelers — the dogs often step into broken beer bottles.>>>>