What's going on in the world?

In an effort to become a more worldly interested person, I've been skimming the New York Times online to catch up on some information.  Here are some of the latest stories that I find either interesting or concerning:

1. Gold is loosing its value in the market, dropping almost 17% from 2011.  Read about it here.
2. The new home of American Folk Art Museum in Manhatten is going to be demolished only after a short life of 12 years due to an expansion of Modern Museum of Art.  Read about it here.
3. South Korea is trying to defuse tension with North Korea, according to the Times. Read it here.