Kathy Kulig was out of town for a business trip when she texted her husband, Joe.“Don’t be worried,” she wrote. “I learned to use a flogger tonight and I have a few bruises.”“Why should I be worried?” he replied.Attending a conference on bondage and sadomasochism is just business as usual for Kathy, whose latest erotic romance is “Summer Sins” (Ellora’s Cave).Her second career ― she has a day job in a medical laboratory ― has created a few relationship challenges, the Kuligs say, but not because

Experts say modern Korean history and colonialism are linked with collective Korean obsession with ‘American English’

Gifted and tenacious, Kang Yosep makes a name for himself in opera world

LONDON (AP) ― London is getting a new fashion extravaganza ― the Victoria’s Secret Show, which will take place for the first time in the British capital this year. Victoria’s Secret models Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel joined Chief Marketing Officer Ed Razek at the company’s London flagship store for the announcement Tuesday. The annual show, known for its unique lingerie and live performances by top entertainers, will be held at Earls Court in the fall and air on CBS at a later date. No sp

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina ― Reclaimed lumber is among the most environmentally friendly building materials because, as any 12-year-old can explain, recycling is good for us and the planet.The wood is beautiful. A floor of salvaged antique heart pine glows with the patina of decades, even centuries. Every piece of barn siding is uniquely weathered, which gives a one-of-a-kind appeal to walls and furniture.And, say Paul Atkinson of Southend Reclaimed and Jonathan Kauffman of Kauffman and Co., buye

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois ― When Illinois launched its first-in-the-nation lottery app in January, Matthew Ruder quickly signed up so he could jockey for jackpots with just a tap of the finger on his smartphone.“It’s really easy to buy lottery tickets on the big draw days,” said Ruder, 40, of Pekin in central Illinois. “I can just log in to it, add some money to it, buy some tickets, and then I have them right there instead of stopping at the store. It just makes it easier sometimes.”State lottery o

THERMOPYLAE, Greece (AFP) ― Hercules used them to regain his strength after his legendary labors, Hippocrates lauded their beneficial properties and even a famous Roman general, Sulla, said he owed his health to them.Their praise was for hot springs, a medicinal resource known and appreciated in Greece since antiquity ― though regrettably less so nowadays.“Greece invented the therapeutic use of hot springs thousands of years before the birth of Jesus Christ,” says Zisis Aggelidis, a professor of

Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung to remain open until 10 p.m.

Two expat magazines and an expat record label are getting together for a creative festival on April 26 to show off creative talent in the southeast of Korea. Daegu’s (b)racket Magazine and I Like Many Records and Ulsan’s Angle Magazine are bringing together artists, musicians and other creative people for the Big Day South festival.“With the Big Day South festival, we want to showcase the creativity, talent and beauty outside of Seoul, to challenge the notion that in Korea, if something cannot b

Here we continue our discussion of international marriage and divorce, focusing on divorce in time for Black Day.Only one thing could possibly be better than admitting that your relationship is irreparable, or going through the pleasure of dividing substantial assets with someone who no longer likes you while fighting over some tiny or not-so-tiny living things you made together. That is having all of this take place, at moderate to great expense, in a courtroom of unsympathetic onlookers.It’s t

The Australia and New Zealand Association will be running its annual gala ball on May 3, with the theme of “A Night at the Opera House,” featuring a performance from last year’s “X-Factor Australia” winner, Dami Im.“We are thrilled to have secured Dami Im for the 2014 ANZA Korea Ball. She has captured the hearts of Australian audiences and there is no doubt she will do the same for our ball guests. She is truly amazing,” said Jana Kovar, president of ANZA Korea. Of South Korean descent, Im Dami

Sumi Jo, one of the most beloved classical singers in Korea, has just released a new album with Deutsche Grammophon, “Only Bach.” The Grammy-winning soprano sings cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach and nothing else on her latest album, including well-known pieces like “Jesus bleibet meine Freude (Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desiring)” and “Ave Maria.”Bach cantatas are usually sung with a small orchestra, but Jo sings accompanied by only a guitar and a violin, adding a fresh appeal to the beloved songs. I

Kwon brings Korean artists to international festivals

Dance sees resurgence as hobby, sport and art