Catch Me By Lisa Gardner (Dutton)Lisa Gardner’s talent for showing ordinary people caught in the worst time of their lives and then dangling them over a precipice of more danger is polished to a high gloss in the involving and highly entertaining “Catch Me.”Gardner’s 16th novel melds a thrilling police procedural with a gripping personal story of a woman who refuses to be a victim. “Catch Me’s” brisk pace is matched by Gardner’s attention to believable characters. As usual, Gardner peppers her n

Glimpse into Joseon’s royal culture Joseon Royal Court Culture Ceremonial and Daily LifeBy Shin Myung-ho(Dolbegae Publishers)Ever wondered what it would be like to be a king during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897)? According to scholar Shin Myung-ho’s intriguing historical account “Joseon Royal Court Culture Ceremonial and Daily Life,” you would very often suffer an eye disease, as you’d spend most of your time reading all sorts of documents, and no one would dare look at your face without your ap

Last fall, the Library of America released two volumes featuring authors who wrote during the Harlem Renaissance, that vague early 20th-century era when black novelists, artists, poets, musicians, essayists and even publishers pushed black culture to the forefront.The Harlem Renaissance served the purpose, awakening whites to the injustice of racism and assuring blacks that they weren‘t alone.But the stories of the time were often what is now standard fare for Black History Month in February. Di

For an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, Shmuley Boteach has a deeply unorthodox streak.The best-selling author and TV host has written books on “Kosher Sex,” “Dating Secrets of the 10 Commandments” and his relationship with the late pop star Michael Jackson.But nothing he has done in a career as one of America’s best-known rabbis has caused quite the stir of his latest book. Even before its publication this month, Boteach came under withering attack in his own Orthodox community, with critics accusing him

Dotorimuk muchim is a dish made of jellied acorn starch, vegetables and seasoning. Dotorimuk muchim was considered a dish for the relief of famine victims in olden days when provisions were scarce. Recently, it has become a popular diet food because it is low in calories. Ingredients● 300 g acorn starch jelly, 70 g cucumber, 30 g carrot, 30 g crown daisy, 15 g green pepper, 10 g red pepper ● seasoning sauce: 1 1/3 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp ground red pepper, 1 tsp minced green onion

Celestino Lucin, winemaker for Abbazia di Novacella, an abbey in Italy’s Alto Adige region that dates to 1142, is renowned for his white wines. This Sylvaner from the 2010 vintage is no exception.The grapes are grown on steep hillsides surrounding the abbey. Yields are low. And the result is this complex Sylvaner with a flowery bouquet and mineral undertow. It tastes of honey and pear, and its crisp acidity makes it an ideal food wine.Drink it with steamed mussels or clams, vegetable soups and g

It’s the right time of year for baking whoopie.If I have made you blush, rest assured what follows is a strictly G-rated affair.Whoopie pies are an all-American baked good that looks like a puffed-up sandwich cookie but tastes more like a cupcake. Think cake with frosting that doesn’t get all over everything. Just exactly where the titillating name came from is unclear, but anyone who grew up in the Northeast knows whoopie pies have long been lunchbox, bake sale and convenience store staples.Who

Browse hip domestic brands’ stores and in-house label shops for a stylish presentWith Valentine’s Day landing on a Tuesday this year, the weekend poses the perfect opportunity for girlfriends and female admirers to go gift-shopping. Each year has witnessed a progressive change in the way Koreans celebrate the day.What began as a day for females to express their affections to men through the medium of chocolate is a more even-keeled event now.“Valentine’s Day is no longer just for guys,” said dom

Namdaemun, Seoul’s historic gateway and National Treasure No. 1 which was severely damaged by arson in 2008, will be completely restored by December, according to the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea. Friday marks the fourth anniversary of the arson.Currently, the restoration is about 70 percent complete. The damaged gate site, which has been cordoned off with a set of fences and a curtain, will be unveiled in August, prior to the completion of restoration. The administration said its r

Translation institute’s new director Kim stresses importance of international promotion of Korean literatureMore international networking and aggressive marketing are needed to better promote Korean literature overseas, said the newly appointed director of Korea Literature Translation Institute on Wednesday.“What local critics consider as an exceptional piece of literary work here may not be regarded the same way overseas,” Kim Seong-kon told The Korea Herald in his office in Samseong-dong, Seou