Anniversary of 7-7 London bombings

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It’s been five years since suicide bombers attacked three subway cars and a bus in London. The fact that the bombers were Muslims born in Britain led to a lot of soul-searching in the country. The London-based Centre for Social Cohesion recently analysed information about Islamists on British soil. The lead author, Robin Simcox, speaks with anchor Marco Werman about his report. (Photo: Wikipedia/slimvirgin) Download MP3

Japanese craft ritual for divorce

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Two out of six Japanese marriages end in divorce. That’s not bad, when you consider the rate on U.S. divorces. Still the numbers are surprising in a country that once considered divorce taboo. Now, one Japanese man has come up with an elaborate ceremony to help divorcing couples mark that ending. Akiko Fujita took part in a divorce ceremony and sent this report from Tokyo. (Photo: Akiko Fujita) Download MP3

Bamboos from down under

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Anchor Marco Werman tells us that the fourth album from Australian-based band, the Bamboos, is sure to be a hit, but it’s the story behind one track on the album that stands out.

Geo quiz

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For today’s Geo Quiz, we’re ending the affair. The United States generally leads the rest of the world when it comes to divorce. It’s estimated that as many as 40 percent of US marriages end in divorce. By comparison, divorce in India is considered rare. But we’re looking for two countries where divorce is just plain illegal. One is a Pacific Island nation where marriage is for life. Another country that bans divorce is a small and mostly Roman Catholic nation in Southern Europe. It has a very dim view of divorce, but a great view of the Mediterranean. So name these two countries where you ought to think twice before you say I do.

No fans of the game

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Despite the record-breaking number of people in the US who’ve been
watching the World Cup, some people did NOT watch the games. In fact, a few have been outspoken about their dislike for soccer. The World’s Alex Gallafent explains.

World cup sets TV records

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks to Brad Adgate, senior vice president at
Horizon Media in New York, about the record-breaking TV audience for
this World Cup tournament.

Raising funds for rare slave portrait

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Download MP3The National Portrait Gallery in London launched a public campaign today to raise the final 150-thousand dollars needed to buy what it says is the earliest known British oil painting of a freed slave.
Anchor Marco Werman has details.

Creating stability for Afghanistan security

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Hopes for a US draw-down in Afghanistan depend on the ability of
Afghan forces to maintain security. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with
one of the men charged with training the Afghan army and police
forces; US Army Colonel Dennis Devery.

A British-U.S. handover in Afghanistan

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The World’s Laura Lynch tells the story of the American forces who are preparing to take over responsibility for one of the most dangerous areas in Afghanistan from British troops.

Good Economic News

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With all the bleak economic news these days — high unemployment, countries deep in debt, and the plunging stock market — here’s a podcast with smattering of only GOOD economic news. A story about making money from environmentally-friendly packaged wine. A new model to showcase foreign films in the U.S. And they’re waxing up their surfboards in the Gaza Strip.

Geo Quiz

For today’s Geo Quiz, we’re ending the affair.The United States generally leads the rest of the world when it comes to divorce. It’s estimated that as many as 40 percent of US marriages end in divorce. By comparison, divorce in India is considered rare. But we’re looking for two countries where divorce is just plain illiegal. One is a Pacific Island nation where marriage is for life. Another country that bans divorce is a small and mostly Roman Catholic nation in Southern Europe.

Tech Podcast: World Cup matches go Lego

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If you love soccer, and you love Lego, then you’re going to want to listen to this week’s Tech Podcast. We’ve got an interview with Fabian Mortiz, a young German who is painstakingly recreating the highlights, and lowlights, of each World Cup match…in Lego. Plus, Estonia’s “Johnny Appleseed” of free wi-fi, and some robots that want to help you choose the right clothes online. (Photo: Fabian Moritz)

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Music Heard on Air for July 7, 2010

Tunes Spun On The World Between Our Reports For July 7, 2010. Artists featured are Ali Farka Toure, Ry Cooder, Interstate, Nguyen Le, T. Ria, Oran Etkin.

Entire Program: July 6, 2010

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Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and President Obama try to mend a
public rift and restart peace talks, also, Iran’s Ministry of Culture puts out a list of state-approved hairstyles for men, then, the staggering plight of Liberia’s former child soldiers and what’s being done to help them improve their lives. Download MP3

Obama, Netanyahu to discuss Middle East strategy

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was at the White House today for talks with President Obama. The meeting is designed to end a public rift created during the Israeli leader’s visit in March amid a tense showdown over an Israeli settlement. Anchor Marco Werman finds out more. (Photo: AFP/Stringer)Download MP3

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