Archive for 2009
Entire program – December 31, 2009
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Today on The World: The Taliban take credit for yesterday’s bomb that killed seven CIA employees; Also, a hostage is free after two-and-a-half years of captivity in Iraq; And we hear about a Japanese New Year’s shoppers’ tradition.
“Lucky Bags” in Japan
New Year’s Day is the most revered holiday in Japan. The Japanese actually celebrate it over a 4 day period. Many start the year by waking up to the first sunrise, they go to a shrine to make a new year wish. It’s a quiet holiday – unless you’re out shopping. Every year, people line up to buy something called a “fukubukuro” or “luck” bag. Akiko Fujita introduces us to a different kind of New Year’s tradition. Download MP3
Closer to solving the Tasmanian Devil cancer mystery
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As we’ve reported on before, Tasmanian devils could be wiped out by a rare – and mysterious – form of cancer. Scientists have now made progress in solving that mystery, and host Jeb Sharp speaks with one of them. Download MP3
Master violin maker Jamie Lazzara
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Today’s Global Hit features the story of an American woman who’s lived most of her life in Florence. Jamie Lazzara crafts violins of exceptional quality. So much so that at the beginning of this year, Lazzara received an unexpected, though private honor. Laura Lynch has her story. Photographs by Holly van der Lee Download MP3
Smoking ban in Vietnam
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Many Americans will wake up tomorrow and pledge to give up cigarettes. It’s a traditional New Year’s resolution — something individuals vow to do on their own. In Vietnam, January first brings a new national effort to control smoking. A new law takes effect tomorrow that bans smoking in many public places — schools, factories, libraries, offices, hospitals, on public transportation. And a year from now, the government plans to extend that ban to bars and restaurants. It’s a big change for a country with one of the highest smoking rates anywhere. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports from Hanoi. Download MP3
Iran masterminded the kidnapping of Peter Moore
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The two-and-a-half year nightmare that a British man suffered has ended. Now, we’re learning how that nightmare may have begun. Computer specialist Peter Moore and his four bodyguards were kidnapped from an Iraqi government ministry in 2007. Three of the bodyguards died in captivity. And the fourth is believed to be dead. Peter Moore was freed yesterday. A British newspaper, The Guardian, is reporting that Iran masterminded the kidnapping. Maggie O’Kane is the part of the team that broke the story. Download MP3Listen to reporter Maggie O’Kane describes how she and her colleagues put their story together for The Guardian:
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Gaza report
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About 1400 protesters from more than 40 countries camped out in Cairo this week. They wanted to march in Gaza on the first anniversary of the Israeli offensive. But the Egyptian government allowed fewer than 100 to go across the border. Ursula Lindsey reports from Cairo.
Juarez Crime Stoppers
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Ciudad Juarez is the murder capital of Mexico. Now, the city has partnered with Crime Stoppers International to try to get a handle on the homicide crisis. Monica Ortiz Uribe reports.
Time change reader
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They’re ringing in the new year in Bangladesh, not once, but twice this year. Or more accurately, they’re ALMOST ringing in the New Year twice. At 11:59 PM, Bangladeshis are moving their clocks back to 10:59. So, technically, the clocks will strike midnight only once. The government moved the clocks forward in June to save electricity. A look back.
Internet policing in Iran
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Reporter Cyrus Farivar looks at the ongoing cat-and-mouse game being played out online between Iranian authorities and protestors.
Geo Quiz
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Our daily geography puzzler.
Geo answer
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For today’s Geo Quiz we were looking for a Japanese city known as the city of water and peace. The world record for the longest paper airplane flight using origami techniques was broken this week in Hiroshima, which is the answer to today’s Quiz. Marina Giovannelli reports.
Hebrew planet name
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Jeb Sharp speaks with reporter Daniel Estrin in Israel, where new Hebrew names have been chosen for the planets Neptune and Uranus.
The art of origami
For today’s Geo Quiz, we head to a country famous for folded paper. It’s an Asian nation, where master artists can take a simple piece of paper and fold it into an ornate bird or butterfly or flower.
Surge of violence in Afghanistan
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The year in Afghanistan is ending with a surge of violence. Today the Taliban claimed responsibility for two deadly bombs. One killed seven Americans who were working for the CIA in south-east Afghanistan. It was the biggest loss of life for the agency in more than 25 years. The other Taliban bomb killed four Canadian soldiers and a journalist in the southern province of Kandahar. Both attacks occurred late yesterday. Download MP3
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