MINNEAPOLIS ― A ballet-inspired “barre” workout has been sweeping the nation. Its popularity is driven by women wanting to achieve a dancer’s physique and strength ― with or without tutus and ballet slippers.At Align Pilates in Minneapolis, noses drip with sweat, muscles quiver with exhaustion, and Beyonce blares from the speakers as class instructor Adrienne Fitzmaurice affirms what everyone is thinking:“Yes, this is hard!” she hollers, encouraging the women to pulse ― or make tiny movements ―

Moisturizing the best solution; use of body lotion recommendedNow that we are entering into the severely cold winter, our skin needs to be taken extra care of. The freezing temperature, coupled with the wind, dries up the skin and even causes some cracks on the face and other areas, deepening concerns. Dr. Ahn Gun-young, director of the Goowoonsesang Dermatology, gives The Korea Herald readers several tips on how to keep their skin healthy and glowing throughout the winter. 1. Afraid of “snake s

Korean pianist Shin Soo-jung and baritone Bahk Heung-u will both receive medals from Germany, noted for the contributions they made in spreading German music in Korea, according to the German Embassy in Seoul. Shin, 69, will be receiving the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, while Bahk, 50, will be honored with the Cross of the Order of Merit during a ceremony on Friday, the embassy said. Veteran pianist Shin, formerly the dean of the Seoul National Univer

NEW YORK (AP) ― Helen Frankenthaler, an abstract painter known for her bold, lyrical use of color who led a postwar art movement that would later be termed Color Field painting, died Tuesday at her home in Connecticut, her nephew said. She was 83.One of Frankenthaler’s most famous works is “Mountains and Sea,” a 1952 painting at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., which she created by pouring thinned paint directly onto raw, unprimed canvas laid on the studio floor. Frankenthaler’s

ATLANTA, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- A study has confirmed syphilis did not exist in Europe before Columbus made his 1492 voyage, and it came back with his crew, researchers say.Anthropologists at Emory University say they re-analyzed European skeletons that some previous researchers said proved syphilis exist

 HANOI, Vietnam (AP) _ Vietnam may block its citizens from using Facebook, but that didn't stop website founder Mark Zuckerberg from vacationing in the communist country.In this Dec. 26, 2011 photo, Facebook website founder Mark Zuckerberg rides a water buffalo in northern resort town of Sapa i

TOKYO (AP) ― Sori Yanagi, whose designs for stools and kitchen pots brought the simplicity and purity of Japanese decor into the everyday, has died. He was 96.The pioneer of Japan’s industrial design died of pneumonia in a Tokyo hospital Sunday, Koichi Fujita of Yanagi Design Office said.Yanagi’s curvaceous “butterfly stool,” evocative of a Japanese shrine gate, won an award at La Triennale di Milano in 1957 and helped elevate him to international stature.The work later joined the permanent coll

A much-loved tradition in Korea for many is to stay up until dawn to see the first sunrise of the year. Most head to the east coast to make sure they catch the sunrise before anyone else.A number of popular beachside towns hold special New Year’s countdowns and sunrise festivals every year, offering cultural performances, concerts and fireworks to entertain guests at night before greeting the sun in the morning. Ulsan will have its Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival at Ganjeolgot lighthouse that kicks

Getting hold of organic local produce might seem no easy task as an expatriate when even a trip to the supermarket can cause some head-scratching. But a recently established food co-op catering to foreigners is set to make it all the easier.Less than a fortnight old, Paldang Slow Food, Local Food Cooperative is the result of a partnership between Seoul Global Study Group, a community project which sponsors discussions and seminars on issues important to Korea and the world, and Paldang Organic V

Events, parties to take place around the nation to celebrate the Year of DragonIt’s that time of year again. After the presents have been opened, the wrapping paper cleared away and the Christmas feasts eaten, it’s time to wind down the year and prepare to celebrate the coming of 2012. No matter where you are in Korea, or how you like to spend New Year’s, there is an event or party for you. From families with little ones, to adventure seekers, to those who just want to party and dance all night