2009 November | PRI's The World - Part 7

Archive for November, 2009

What if US loses in Afghanistan?

By The World ⋅ November 20, 2009 ⋅ One comment ⋅ Transcript

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The World’s Katy Clark looks at the question: what if the US loses in Afghanistan? What will that mean for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India?

Murders in Peru recall ancient myth

By The World ⋅ November 20, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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A criminal gang in Peru is suspected in a string of horrific murders that include extracting body fat from their victims. Police in Peru have dubbed the gang “pistacos” after a mythical being known to many Peruvians. Anchor Jeb Sharp finds out about the ancient myth from Harvard professor Gary Urton.

US CEO pushes to end Cuba travel ban

By The World ⋅ November 20, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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Anchor Jeb Sharp speaks with Barney Harford, President and CEO of Orbitz Worldwide. The company is calling for an end to the U.S. ban on travel to Cuba.

Low profile for new EU leaders

By The World ⋅ November 20, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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The European Union’s has a new president and a new foreign minister. They are not high-profile politicians, and some wonder if that’s good or bad for the E-U. The World’s Laura Lynch reports.

More soccer hand-wringing

By The World ⋅ November 20, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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Anchor Jeb Sharp speaks with The World’s soccer aficionado. William Troop, for the latest on the hand-ball shocker that sent France to the soccer World Cup next year.

Geo Quiz

By The World ⋅ November 20, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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Our daily geography puzzler.

Geo answer

By The World ⋅ November 20, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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For today’s Geo Quiz we asked where Islam ranks among the many religions of India? The answer is SECOND…right after Hinduism. And for extra credit? India’s 170-million Muslims make up just about 13 percent of the total population. Now one of India’s conservative Muslim groups has declared that the country’s beloved national song is un-Islamic. The BBC’s Chris Morris has the story.

Global Hit

By The World ⋅ November 20, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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The World’s Marco Werman tells us about a big benefit concert this weekend in Las Vegas. It’s an unusual one for Vegas. It features top musicians from Algeria, Syria and Iraq.

Tech Podcast 268: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Returns!

By Clark Boyd ⋅ November 20, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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Tons of fun in this week’s podcast. The highlight is the return of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Eoin Colfer, who you may know as author of the Artemis Fowl series, has taken on the task of writing Book Six of Three in the H2G2 universe. It’s called And Another Thing… and we’ve got an interview with Colfer on this week’s podcast! We also hear about expert windmill builder, William Kamkwamba.

Spelling Obama in Chinese, oratory, and chop suey love

By The World ⋅ November 20, 2009 ⋅ One comment ⋅ Transcript

flower-drum-song

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In this all-Chinese pod, how to spell Obama in Chinese. Then, the contrasting oratorical styles of presidents Hu and Obama. That’s followed by something on a type of Chinese idiom known as chengyu. Then to the UK, where Confucian philosophy infuses Chinese language classes in five public schools. Finally, poet Marilyn Chin on why she loves the expression chop suey.

Global Political Cartoons: Nov 14-20, 2009

By The World ⋅ November 19, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

CAR-polarbear150 President Obama’s visit to China gives cartoonists plenty to draw on this week: Beijing and Washington as buddies. Beijing and Washington as co-dependents. Beijing and Washington agreeing that it’s okay to put off any serious reduction of greenhouse gases.

>>> Click here to start the cartoon slideshow

How would you fix refereeing mistakes in soccer?

By The World ⋅ November 19, 2009 ⋅ 19 comments ⋅ Transcript

henry_handball150 There’s outrage among Ireland’s soccer fans after France eliminated the Irish national team from the World Cup. A single goal crushed the Irish, a goal that came in overtime and after France’s Thierry Henry controled the ball with his hand. Around the globe soccer fans are once again pondering ways to avoid having such glaring missed calls determine the outcome of games. What’s your take?

Entire program – November 19, 2009

By The World ⋅ November 19, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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Today on The World: Afghan president Hamid Karzai is inaugurated for a second term today; Also, traffic accidents become a public health crisis in Ghana; And Egyptians bemoan the latest blow to their national pride… the loss of a World Cup qualifying match.

Karzai sworn in amid tight security

By The World ⋅ November 19, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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Hamid Karzai has been sworn in as Afghan president for a second elected term, saying he wants Afghan forces in charge of the nation within five years. Kabul’s streets were almost empty on Thursday as security forces set up numerous roadblocks ahead of the ceremony. The World’s Aaron Schachter looks at security for Karzai’s second inauguration compared with security arrangements the first time around.

India: glaciers recede, rivers threatened

By The World ⋅ November 19, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅ Transcript

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The Himalayan glaciers that feed many of Asia’s most important rivers are receding. The BBC’s Chris Morris treks to the face of one of the glaciers that feeds the Ganges to assess the possible impact. Download MP3

Growing glacial lakes threaten Nepali villages
The rising temperatures are also causing glaciers to melt into rapidly growing lakes. Reporter Yanmei Xie reports from the southern slope of Mt. Everest.

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