The shakuhachi is a Japanese vertical bamboo flute with a notched mouthpiece, four finger holes in front, and one hole in back. Traditionally, the flute is made from a stalk of mandrake bamboo severed at the root, which becomes the bell of the...

The shakuhachi (尺八 (しゃくはち), shakuhachi? IPA: [ɕakɯhatɕi]) is a Japanese end-blown flute which is held vertically like a recorder, instead of transversely like the Western transverse flute. Its name means "1.8 foot", its size. It is...

Harold AlfondAUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Harold Alfond, founder of the Dexter shoe business and a philanthropist who donated tens of millions of dollars, has died. He was 93.Gov. John Baldacci's office announced Alfond's death. A spokesman said the governor spoke to Alfond's family after his...