These love to pretend that they live in one of the world's toughest urban jungles, beset by warring gangs and malevolent Nature, when, in reality, the biggest danger they face is that the person behind the counter at Starbucks might mis-hear their order for a double tall, decaf, non-fat latte with a vanilla shot and make their coffee with full-fat milk by mistake.

ECONOMIST: California life: City of frauds | The

Patricia da Silva, a Brazilian double-bass player who is no more than five feet tall, stood out for her steady hand and warm personality.

ECONOMIST: 120 players from 35 countries have a ball

The double bass is an unwieldy string instrument that stands more than six feet tall, and it can be physically demanding to play.

WSJ: Music Students Hit the Boxing Ring