Postcard: Tojinbo Cliffs

As recession drives more Japanese to despair, a suicide mecca's self-appointed guardian steps up his watch. Keeping the desperate from going over the edge

Utrecht

Why So Few Care About the European Parliament Elections

The Dutch city has played a rich role in the continent's history, but its citizens hardly care about June's European Parliament elections. Why most other Europeans won't vote either

Pikalyovo

In Russia, a Recession-Plagued Town Revolts

After months of crippling poverty caused by the closure of its cement and brick factories, laid-off workers in the northern Russian town of Pikalyovo staged a strike along a major highway

Kabul

Afghanistan's Real Strongmen

Bodybuilding is all the rage in a society where the state is a little short on muscle

Hong Kong

Acid Attacks Have Hong Kong on Edge

After an attacker hurled an acid-filled bottle from a building onto one of the world's busiest streets, Hong Kong rethinks its stance on there being safety in numbers

Khartoum

Keeping Armenia Alive in the Capital of Sudan

Armenian communal life continues after more than a century in the capital of Sudan, but sustaining it becomes increasingly difficult as its wealthier members depart

Aracena

What Swine Flu? Spain Celebrates Cured Ham

At this year's World Congress of Cured Ham in Aracena, Spain, attendees laughed in the face of swine flu to celebrate the finest of pig produce

Postcard from Wichita

A controversial Kansas abortionist is gunned down in church. But this prairie town grew tired of that culture war long ago. George Tiller's murder won't change that

Bangkok

Knock It Off: A Thai Museum for Counterfeit Goods

One indulger in Bangkok's knockoff market is reformed after a visit to the Thai capital's Museum of Counterfeit Goods

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Workers Swoon over Lunchtime Karaoke

Ever the multitaskers, more and more Hong Kong office workers are using their lunch hours to let the good times roll

Postcard from the Bronx

The Yankees have feasted on division foes for years. For an Orioles fan, a free buffet may be the best shot at payback. Evening the score at the new Yankee Stadium

Ghent

Where's the Beef? Ghent Goes Vegetarian

In an effort to curb climate change by cutting down on meat consumption and to promote healthy eating, the Belgian town of Ghent has declared every Thursday Veggie Day