American director’s documentary film shows brutal suffering of N. Korean civilians and refugeesThese 12 stories are hard to believe, heartbreaking and horrifying. American director N.C. Heikin’s documentary, “Kimjongilia” is a piece of cinematic work devoted to telling the stories of survivors of North Korea and its regime. The movie’s title, “Kimjongilia,” refers to a hybrid red begonia that was

South Korean animator Choi Jong-il knew he had a hit on his hands when Pororo the penguin hopped onto TV screens back in 2003.Choi’s previous creations had failed to grab the undivided attention of his 6-year-old son and his son’s friends.That all changed when the mischievous but affectionate blue and white penguin, sporting aviator glasses and a flying helmet, made his debut.“The kids’ eyes were

MEXICO CITY (AP) ― “Narco Polo” is the new fashion trend sweeping lower-class neighborhoods in Mexico, inspired by seven high-ranking drug traffickers who were arrested over a three-month stretch wearing open-neck, short-sleeved jerseys with the familiar horseman-with-a-stick emblem.The polo shirts are becoming ubiquitous in street vendors’ stalls from the drug-war-ravaged state of Tamaulipas to t

WASHINGTON ― The U.S. government’s fascination with America’s eating predates the nation itself, and the National Archives can prove it.On display at a new exhibit, “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? The Government’s Effect on the American Diet,” is a recruiting poster from 1776 that lists the rations the Continental Congress offered to the soldiers: beef, peas, beer and candies.Tucked away on the first

Cancer center offers respite, spiritual oasis for the sickHACKENSACK, New Jersey ― For just a moment, patients can forget they’re in a cancer center.The Manhattan skyline offers a spectacular background for lush boxwoods, vibrant flowers, and the herbs and vegetables growing in the rooftop garden at the John Theurer Cancer Center at the Hackensack University Medical Center.The garden, outside a gl

Home-court advantage was not enough to help Korea past undefeated Italy in World Volleyball League action Sunday in Incheon.Korea was unable to match the European side’s powerful attacks and strong blocking, as Italy swept the first two sets (25-15, 25-22) while the Koreans struggled to find their rhythm. After the second set, Korea came back strong with good serving and strong defense, notching t

It has been a tough few weeks for Korean soccer. Twelve players in the K-League have been indicted by prosecutors on suspicion of match-fixing, four teams are implicated and one entire nation is shocked. With investigations continuing, there could be more to come. It has been big news and media and fans have only the story of a move from the K-League to the English Premier League to take their min

A British girl who has been fighting cancer for four years posted her wish list on a blog, bringing about sensation on the Internet.Alice Pyne wrote “I’m 15 and I have terminal cancer. I’ve created a bucket list because there are so many things I still want to do in my life … some are possible, some will remain a dream.”Most of her wishes were typical teenage desires, but her first wish was to “ma