Giant leap toward statehood, but relationship with Israel worsens; U.N. body to lose a fifth of its budgetPARIS (AP) ― Palestine won its greatest international endorsement yet, full membership in UNESCO, but the move will cost the agency one-fifth of its funding and some fear it will send Mideast peace efforts off a cliff.In an unusually dramatic session Monday at the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, there were cheers for “yes” votes and grumbles for

NEW YORK (AP) ― Over the past decade, Nikolai Baskov has emerged as one of the biggest selling recording artists in Russia.He’s a favorite of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, and his performances ― with dramatic lighting and dazzling showmanship ― are becoming legendary there and in Europe.Now, the rest of the world may be in Baskov’s grasp. The classically trained vocalist has his eyes ― or more appropriately, voice ― on seizing the rest of the world with his powerful range.“For me, reall

LONDON (AFP) ― A new album containing previously unheard material by British soul singer Amy Winehouse is to be released just months after her death from alcohol poisoning, her record label confirmed Monday.“Lioness: Hidden Treasures,” features unreleased tracks, alternate versions of existing classics as well as a couple of brand new compositions by the songstress, an Island Records statement said.It will hit stores on Dec. 5.The album “proves a fitting tribute to the artist, the talent and the

Applications for Seoul Global Center’s Business Start-up School are available and open for submission until Friday.The free two-week evening course is aimed at expats looking to set up a small business in Korea.The syllabus covers legal and tax issues, marketing, government policies and the Korean corporate system, as well as other aspects of doing business in Korea.The course runs weekdays from Nov. 14-25, with classes from 7-9 p.m.Applicants should submit a business plan with their application

Gwangju International Center will hold a book and bake sale this Saturday.The sale will take place from 3-6:30 p.m at the center, which is on the fifth floor of the Jeonil Building. Donations of goods from buns and brownies to bestsellers and biographies are invited, as are volunteers to help with the event.Proceeds will go to help Sungbin Orphanage.For more information contact gwangjumaria@yahoo.com, gracecho3333@hanmail.net or call Boram Lee at (062) 226-2733.The bake sale is being held instea

The Korea International Students Support Association will hold its first annual sports festival in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province.Student athletes from across the country will compete in men’s soccer, women’s soccer, volleyball, wrestling and other sports. There will also be a cheerleading competition.Matches start at 8:30 a.m. with a tug of war and opening ceremony at 9:40 a.m. A dance party will round off the event, after an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m.The games will take place at Namyangju Spor

The Korea Toastmasters Fall National Conference 2011 will convene on Nov. 5 at Seoul Women’s Plaza in Dongjak-gu.The conference will feature speech contests, educational workshops and the executive meeting for Toastmasters’ Korea District.More than 300 people are expected to attend the 2011 Fall Conference. Cathrine Hatcher, a professional speaker and image communications expert based in Texas, will attend the conference to deliver the keynote speech, which will focus on non-verbal communication