A Long Weekend in Martinique

'Shaolin' and Director Benny Chan

"Shaolin" -- the new movie from leading Hong Kong director Benny Chan -- has become only the second film to earn the Zen Buddhist temple's stamp of approval. Watch the trailer and stills from the movie.

'Detective Dee' Tops HK Film Award Nominees

Director Tsui Hark's Tang Dynasty-era whodunit leads this year's Hong Kong Film Awards race with 13 nominations, including best film and best director.

A Philly Cheesesteak in Jakarta?

Potato Head is one of the hippest eating spots in Jakarta. The Jakarta Post has called it "Hot Potato" and it is a preferred spot for the city's business-clad up-and-comers. But is the food any good?

The $22,000 Martini

Valentine's Day always brings in a fair share of romantic gestures, but the folks at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo have more in mind than just flowers and chocolates: a 1.8 million yen (about US$22,000) cocktail.

Around the World by Food Truck

Look out -- your neighborhood food truck may have come all the way from Singapore.

In Malaysia, Watch Out for the Valentine's Day Police

Lovers in Malaysia beware: The Valentine's Day police are on the way.

Is this Guy the Next Stieg Larsson?

Japanese crime writer Keigo Higashino's book sales number in the millions in Japan. His latest, "The Devotion of Suspect X," was published in the U.S. on Feb. 1. Will he experience runaway international success along the likes of Swedish author Stieg Larsson?

The Dirt on Luxury Logos in Shanghai

In "Colors," part of a show at the Shanghai Gallery of Art, artist Mu Chen took a variety of Chinese soils -- red, black, brown and green -- and packed them into molds shaped like famous global-brand logos, from swoosh to apple, using a centuries-old construction technique.

Hello Panda, Bye-bye Kitty?

Hi Panda is no Hello Kitty. In fact, the Chinese brand with the grumpy mascot is far edgier than the Sanrio cat.

A Western Look Heads East

Call it the "True Grit" effect if you will, but in some trendy parts of Asia, you can see Navajo-style patterns on sweaters, scarves and patches on jeans. What's up?

Who Made the Bed in the Maroon 5 Video?

A bed that appears at the beginning of the new Maroon 5 video, "Never Going to Leave This Bed," was designed by Kenneth Cobonpue, a Filipino furniture designer based in Cebu, Philippines.

Two Cheers for the Slacker Dude

Men in their 20s may be putting off adulthood—but they are still changing the world. Nathan Rabin repsonds.

'King's Speech' Leaves Me Stuttering

The royals at the center of the Oscar front-runner are simply spiffing, says Joe Queenan, but give him the proles of "True Grit" and "The Fighter" any day.

Bother Me, I'm Thinking

The ability to focus may be considered an essential life function, but recently scientists have begun to outline the benefits of not paying attention.

Scientific Scare Stories Need Context—And Calm

The prospect of magnetic-pole movements and Arctic ice retreats won't panic you if you take the long view, says Matt Ridley.

Nigella Lawson's Cozy Kitchen

It should be comfy, colorful and filled with mugs, says the British food personality.

• Photos: Nigella's Picks for Your Kitchen

A Garden That's Light on the Land

How landscape architect Christy Ten Eyck created a high-style space using low-fuss elements.

Lifestyle Boost: Upgrade Your Bath

Assemble the right accoutrements for a more luxurious soak.