Study: Bald head can be business winner

Political activist Al Sharpton jokes about hip hop mogul Russel Simmons bald head before the start of the National Action Network Keeper of the Dream Award ceremonies hosted by Sharpton April 5, 2001 in New York City. (UPI)A lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of business says studies show men with shaved heads are perceived as better leaders.There's apparently something ab

Oct. 4, 2012

1,505.5-pound pumpkin wins weigh-off

 A New York state man whose 1,505.5-pound pumpkin took the top prize at a festival said his secret is “lots of water and lots of luck.”Karl Haist of Clarence Center, who took first in the 30th World Pumpkin Weigh-off at the Great Pumpkin Farm‘s fall festival in Clarence, said he has been growing pumpkins for 10 years, The Buffalo (N.Y.) News reported Monday.Haist, who said his prize-winning pumpki

Oct. 2, 2012

Experts: Mayas prophesized, but not end of world

One of three archaeological pieces of Mayan culture, recovered in the United States where they were sold illegally, is presented by Guatemalan authorities in Guatemala City Sept.12. (AP-Yonhap)MEXICO CITY (AP) _ As the clock winds down to Dec. 21, experts on the Mayan calendar have been racing to convince people that the Mayas didn't predict an apocalypse for the end of this year.Some experts are

Sept. 29, 2012

Temples, folk plays and speed dating: Spending Chuseok in the city

Known as the Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok signifies the coming of autumn and is a time to spend with family and loved ones. Seoul offers many events and activities during the Chuseok holiday for both locals and foreigners alike to enjoy. These range from experiencing the traditional side of Korean culture and society, to finding that special someone to spend the upcoming holiday season with. For those looking to spend the Korean holiday looking for love, “Chicken n’ Chips” bar in Gangnam is host

Sept. 27, 2012

[Newsmaker] Korean Methodist Church bans father-to-son succession

Christian churches in Korea have kept an unusual, anti-democratic and unfair system for decades ― the practice of hereditary succession or “seseup,” just like the father-to-son power transition that occurs in conglomerate groups.This unnatural process has allowed some commanding pastors at the top mega-churches to turn over their leadership to their children. The proponents of the practice have claimed that the system is necessary to ensure church stability and security. However, this seseup tra

Sept. 26, 2012

Fest to show hallyu Gangnam style

Seoul’s plush district to host K-pop concert, international fashion show and marathon for foreign visitors and residentsSeoul’s Gangnam district will attract foreign visitors with its annual festival that will feature a K-pop concert, fashion shows and international marathon for six days starting on Tuesday.Gangnam has recently gained worldwide fame through singer Psy’s “Gangnam Style” music video, which has gotten over 200 million views on YouTube. “The word ‘Gangnam’ has recently become part o

Sept. 26, 2012

K-pop fever grabs scholars’ attention

International gathering of Korean studies experts focuses on hallyu as well as traditional aspects of Korean societyJust on the outskirts of Seoul, away from the mile-high buildings and the hustle and bustle of city life, lies the small campus of the Academy of Korean Studies, where the landscape is reminiscent of traditional Asian culture. However, this academy, located south of Seoul in Seongnam, is not just for the study of Korea’s traditional culture, but popular culture as well. Kim Young-i

Sept. 26, 2012

Sex, drugs and village politics in Potter author‘s new novel

Harry Potter author JK Rowling bids goodbye to the boy wizard on Thursday when she releases her first novel for adults, a gritty tale of poverty and politics in an idyllic English village.With more than 450 million copies of the Potter books sold and fans feverishly excited about the British author’s first major work since 2007, her new black comedy, titled “The Casual Vacancy,” is already a guaranteed success.Pre-order sales have reportedly topped a million copies and British booksellers expect

Sept. 25, 2012

Hong Kong still socially divided

Despite 1997 handover to China, different cultural orientation creates gap between Hong Kongers and mainlandersOne night in the autumn of 2010, a pregnant woman called the hotline of the New Home Association (NHA).She was out on the street after a violent fight with her husband. Both of them were from China who came to Hong Kong to build a family.“She called us and asked, what can she do?” Chan Yee-fei tells AsiaNews. Chan is the head of service of NHA, a non-profit organization that provides pr

Sept. 24, 2012

A healing trip to temples in fall

A variety of Templestay programs are offered for Chuseok holidays and throughout the fallThe following is the third in a 10-part series on Templestays and temple food, which give the public insight into the 1,700-year-old cultural history of Korean Buddhism. ― Ed.The change of the season has started to turn leaves into red and gold, urging many to hit the road for a fall foliage trip. If you are trying to find an alternative to mountain climbing, try a two-day trip to Buddhist temples across the

Sept. 24, 2012

African snails confiscated in Scotland

Adult giant African land snail, measuring about 12 centimeters or almost 5 inches. (UPI)Customs officers at Scotland's Glasgow Airport say they seized 36 live giant African land snails from a Nigerian man attempting to bring them into the country.The snails, about 6 inches long with shells the size of a small human fist, were discovered in the man's luggage following a flight from Amsterdam earlie

Sept. 21, 2012

CLAPPING TO THE BEAT

Sept. 20, 2012

AUTOGRAPH SESSION

Sept. 20, 2012

ADVERTISING WIZ

Sept. 20, 2012

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS AT HERALD FORUM

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS AT HERALD FORUM — Leading figures from Korean government and businesses attend the opening ceremony of Herald Design Forum held at COEX Auditorium in Samseong-dong, Seoul, Thursday. From left: CEO and publisher of Herald Corp. Lee Young-man, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industries chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, Culture Minister Choe Kwang-shik, Herald Corp. chairman Jungwook Hong, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, National Pension Service chairman Jun Kwang-woo, KB Financial Group chai

Sept. 20, 2012