Tokyo

Big in Japan

Japanese fans aren't deterred by Michael Jackson's personal troubles. Why Tokyo is the last refuge of washed-up music acts

Postcard from Hughson

In California's Central Valley, almonds are big business--but they need more and more increasingly scarce bees to stay that way. Amid the blossoms, a buzz of worry

Paris

Postcard from Paris: Cyclists Behaving Badly

The Vélib' program has revolutionized public transport in the French capital by making bicycles widely accessible. But many Parisians want to ride them on sidewalks

Baghdad

Iraq's Ancient Treasures Lost and Found

The infamously looted Baghdad museum has been reclaiming many of its stolen artifacts, but theft in the country's unsecured archaeological sites continues

Postcard from Beijing

For some kids, spending too much time online means a family trip to boot camp and no more instant noodles. China's tough-love approach to Internet addiction

Resisting School Integration in Savannah

Facing budget woes, Georgia mulls merging its white and black colleges. This time, many African Americans are saying no. Fighting to keep separate schools separate

Postcard from Choroní: The World's Best Chocolate

An effort to preserve the world's finest chocolate is at full tilt on the Venezuelan coast. The sweet past and shaky future of the criollo bean

Tokyo

Princesses Preen in a Pauper Economy

Japan's hime-kei fashion trend has thousands of young women spending thousands of dollars dressing like Marie Antoinette

Sao Paulo

What Downturn? Business Booms in Brazil's Shanties

Small-time entrepreneurs who retail the things poorer Brazilians can't do without — food and cosmetics — are showing remarkable resilience

Can Portland's Gay Mayor Survive a Scandal?

The popular new mayor of one of America's most liberal cities sees his reputation crumble with allegations that he lied about an affair with an underage intern

Shanghai

China Not So Bullish About the Year of the Ox

The country's astrologers looking for signs of hope in the stars are not encouraged by the coming year's combination of beast and element

Bangkok

Bangkok Gets Into the Christmas Spirit

Thais immerse themselves in the spirit of Christmas without the foggiest idea who Jesus was