Ireland’s Fair City

Today’s Geo Quiz is about Molly Malone. You’ve probably heard the popular Irish folksong about a young woman named Molly Malone. It’s set in the Irish city we’d like you to name…

Entire Program: July 16, 2020

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Ecuador’s radical plan to earn billions of dollars by not developing its oil reserves. Then, a new bill in Israel could call into question whether converted Jews around the world are legally Jewish,
And a conversation with Broadway actress Amra Faye-Wright about her leap onto the Japanese stage in a performance of the musical Chicago in Japanese.

In Ecuador, striking it rich by keeping oil in the ground

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Ecuador is working on a deal to lock up 1/5 of its oil reserves in exchange for $3.5B. The deal would also preserve some of the most bio-diverse forest on earth. Dan Grossman has the story. (Photo: Rodrigo Buendia/AFP) Download MP3

Reducing HIV in South Africa through ‘test and treat’

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Some scientists in South Africa are promoting a bold proposal that they say could halt the spread of HIV. Called “test and treat,” it would test everyone for HIV every year and would immediately put those who are infected on anti-retroviral drugs, as a way to prevent the further spread of the virus. But critics say the plan is unrealistic and could actually harm people who are already infected. The World’s Laura Lynch reports. (Photo: laura Lynch) Download MP3

Proposed new guidelines for converting to Judaism

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In the United States, conversions to Judaism can be performed by Orthodox, Conservative or Reform Jews. But in Israel, conversions inside the country are only performed by Orthodox Jews. The World’s Matthew Bell reports that some in Israel, and others outside the country, worry that a bill being considered by the Knesset will give the Orthodox Jewish Establishment the power to recognize, or not, whether those who converted outside of Israel are legally Jewish. Download MP3

Amra Faye-Wright showcases Broadway in Japan

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The Broadway musical ‘Chicago’ had a recent run in Japan, in Japanese. Anchor Marco Werman speaks to the actress Amra Faye-Wright who played the lead character, Velma Kelly. Faye-Wright had to learn Japanese for the role. Download MP3

Geo Quiz

If you’re heading out to the theatre tonight, and you’re in Tokyo. Well, you’ll know the answer to today’s Geo Quiz. The centerpiece of the Tokyo neighborhood we want you to name is a national palace. It’s where Japan hosts visiting dignitaries.

The reach of the Gulf spill

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Christopher Reddy of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution about how far oil from the spill in the Gulf may have spread.

British court fines oil companies for accident

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A British court today fined five corporations — including BP — a total of $14.6 million for a 2005 explosion at an oil depot in southern England. Forty three people were injured in the accident, and local homes and businesses were damaged. One British lawmaker called the fine “tiny” and an “insult.” Anchor Marco Werman has more.

Mexico goes bike-friendly

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Despite Mexico City’s dense population, traffic, and the famed smog, the city is following the path of several European capitals by starting a bike rental program. Anchor Marco Werman speaks to reporter Franc Contreras in Mexico City about how it’s working.

The ties of France’s colonial past

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For the first time, soldiers from France’s former African colonies marched this week in Paris’ annual Bastille Day parade. Anita Elash reports from Paris that it’s sparked a debate about how much France has really let the go of its former African colonies, 50 years after they gained independence.

World Cup gambling crackdown

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More than 5,000 people have been taken into custody in a crackdown on illegal World Cup gambling. Police raided hundreds of betting dens across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and China, including Hong Kong and Macau. Anchor Marco Werman gets the story from The World’s Mary Kay Magistad in Beijing.

Geo Quiz

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If you’re heading out to the theatre tonight, and you’re in Tokyo. Well, you’ll know the answer to today’s Geo Quiz. The centerpiece of the Tokyo neighborhood we want you to name is a national palace. It’s where Japan hosts visiting dignitaries. There’s a cluster of international embassies here including the those of the US, Mexico, Canada and Iraq. And tons of hotels and corporate headquarters. But it’s the nightlife that tour guides boast about. The district’s swanky restaurants and nightclubs come to life after hours. So whether you’re looking for tempura or shabu-shabu, or maybe a Broadway musical in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll introduce you to a Broadway actress who knows this neighborhood well.

British soldiers killed in Afghanistan

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Anchor Marco Werman talks with Dawood Azami, BBC Bureau Chief in Kabul, about being contacted by a man who claims to have killed three British soldiers earlier this week in Afghanistan.

Music Heard on Air for July 16, 2010

Tunes Spun On The World Between Our Reports For July 16, 2010. Artists featured are Moriba Koita, Habib Koite, Bamada, Mungal with Nitin Sahwney, RJD2, Outback.