The New York Philharmonic Orchestra’s historic concert in North Korea concluded hours ago, marking the first performance by an American orchestra in the impoverished, totalitarian nation. The event also marked a first for much of the press, who are routinely denied access to North Korea and, once inside, usually find their movements tightly controlled. The Times has a stunning slideshow of photos snapped en route from the airport to the center of Pyongyang, something the photographer says is never permitted. more ›

Aaron Lubarsky,
co-director/editor,
Seoul Train more ›

Check out Gothamist Arts & Events for more cultural happenings in the city.
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If Kim Jong Il's North Korean army is built of tiny prodigies, like the adorable three year old Mo Kin who can play the xylophone like nobody's business or mug and sing shamelessly in a creepy Shirley Templeish way, the U.S. is screwed. more ›

Excellent news: The Gothamist T-shirt will be on sale from Tiny Factory, whose site is finally up. The shirts are heathered red with maroon trim (around the neck for the men's version; around the neck and arms for the women's), with a handscreened Gothamist logo on the chest. The shirt, made of 100% cotton from American Apparel, is $20 including shipping and handling. more ›

- And, yes, it's true, we're looking for advertisers AND having another happy hour. more ›

Last weekend at brunch, Sam, ad agency art director and Gothamist's erstwhile logo designer, was sporting a new t-shirt he designed. He was inspired by the airport security guards asking him which Korea he was from, even with his American passport. We guffawed, rolled our eyes, and then demanded that Sam make us a t-shirt with all the various Asian ethnicities and checkboxes, with Chinese checked off for us, to stop all the cab drivers from constantly asking us if we are Japanese. Or there should be another checkbox that says "Jewish." Either would be funny. more ›