This week the New York Philharmonic made a very controversial trip to North Korea. The 130 person orchestra played in North Korea's capitol, Pyongyang, on Tuesday. The program for the night consisted of "An American in Paris" by George Gershwin, "New World" Symphony by Antonin Dvorak, and Prelude to Act III of "Lohengrin" by Richard Wagner. This performace was televised live on North Korean state television. This performance was something that was very important because of the Nuclear tension between The United States of America and North Korea. It is hoped that the visit from the New York Philharmonic will ease tensions between these two countries. Zarin Mehta, president and executive director of the orchestra, says that the performance "is a manifestation of the power of music to unite people.".
I believe that this is an important piece of news because of it's oddity. I completely agree with the executive director of the New York Philharmonic, music is something that can be used to unite people. Because music is such a common interest around the world it only natural that people would enjoy to read about how it is being used to possibly ease tensions between these countries. I believe that this article also holds prominence because this performance affects our government and country. (2/25/08...page A08).
I think the most interesting article of the week was the article written about the Oscars. "No Country for Old Men" took home the award from Best Picture. All of the Best Acting awards were swept by Europeans which is the second time in history that has happened, the first time being in 1965. "No Country for Old Men" won a total of four awards including Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The other major awards for the night were won by Daniel Day-Lewis (Best Actor) and Marion Cotillard (Best Actress). The night was hosted by Jon Stewart. (2/25/08...page A01)
Hurricane Katrina victims received a chance to speak out...2/25/08. Wedding detectives found their place in India...2/23/08. Obama and Clinton argued over the issue of universal health care...2/22/08. Three studies were published that discussed human diversity and genetic mutation...2/22/08. Street race in Maryland ended badly for several spectators...2/21/08.
