World Books Review: A Masterpiece From Israel

Israeli novelist David Grossman’s new book is rooted in a reality so vivid, is so radiant with life, and is so precise in its delineation of its characters that it would be an important addition to the world’s literature at any time. But its publication now, when leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Territories are trying to broker a lasting peace, makes it required reading in a way few novels ever are.

• Subscribe to the World Books podcast via iTunes
• Bill Marx’s Arts Fuse magazine
• World Books Review: David Grossman’s Lost Faith

Fawlty Towers Sybil inspiration Beatrice Sinclair dies

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Beatrice Sinclair has died in England, she was 95. Her name may not mean much to you. But she played an instrumental part in the creation of one of the world’s most famous TV comedies: Fawlty Towers. The World’s Alex Gallafent has more. Download MP3

• Video: See some classic Fawlty Towers
• Great moments on Fawlty Towers from the BBC
• The Fawlty Goose-Step

Church and state in Britain

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Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Patricia Fara, who teaches the history and philosophy of science in Clare College at Cambridge University, about the role of religion in British society, and how it compares to the situation here in the United States.

EU clashes with France over Roma deportation

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The World’s Clark Boyd reports on how France is responding to the European backlash over its decision to expel Roma migrants.

A dog’s life in Turkey

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People in Turkey have had a special reverance for their dogs since the days of the Ottoman Empire. Dogs in Istanbul even have “resident rights.” Correspondent Julia Rooke finds out what life is really like for the Turkish canine. (Photo: Paolo/Flickr)

Mexican students cope with violence

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Teachers and students in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas reflect on how growing drug-related violence affects their lives.

Geo Quiz

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Our daily geography puzzler.

Geo Answer

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The answer to today’s Geoquiz is the Lomonosov Ridge, a 1200-mile long ridge at the bottom of the Arctic Ocean that stretches from Siberia to Canada. It plays a key role in the scramble to claim sovereignty over the Arctic Ocean. Anchor Lisa Mullins finds out more from Klaus Dodds, an authority on the Geopolitics of the Arctic. Download MP3

• Geo Quiz Archive

Legendary Brazilian musicians

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The World’s Marco Werman takes us back to 1969 in London, where Brazilian musicians Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil were soaking up a music scene that would influence their music for the rest of their careers. Download MP3

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World Books Review: David Grossman’s Lost Faith

In his most recent collection of essays on the intersection of politics and literature, Israeli novelist David Grossman fears his country is losing its soul, its cultural responses are hardening, its spiritual resources weakening dangerously.

• Subscribe to the World Books podcast via iTunes
• Bill Marx’s Arts Fuse magazine

Music Heard on Air for September 16, 2010

Tunes Spun On The World Between Our Reports For September 16, 2010. Artists featured are Moriba Koita, Gipsy Kings, Kila, Habib Koite & Bamada, Praful, Booka and the Flaming Geckos.

Arctic underwater ridge

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We’re looking for an underwater ridge that’s part of the continental crust below the Arctic Ocean and crosses the North Pole. From the New Siberian Islands, the ridge runs across the Arctic Ocean all the way to Canada’s Ellesmere Island. What is it called? Download MP3

Tight Times in Europe

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Governments throughout Europe have begun the long process of reducing national debts and slashing state budgets. What will it all mean for the European model of generous social welfare? Also a look at one European nation that seems immune from the financial troubles there, and another country that wants to be in the Euro club. And, we won’t charge you for this podcast, but the London Times is charging for its content. Is this future of online journalism? And will it work? Download MP3

Entire program – September 15, 2010

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Today on The World: Israeli and Palestinian leaders tackled key issues in their talks today in Jerusalem; Also, Nigeria’s president announces his campaign plans on Facebook. And we travel along Pakistan’s Indus River with a BBC reporter who’s taking stock of the devastation caused by weeks of flooding there.

Middle East peace talks continue

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Israeli and Palestinian leaders are to hold further talks in Jerusalem, a day after discussing the core issues behind the conflict at meetings in Egypt (pictured). So far, the talks have failed to produce any visible progress on the divisive issue of Jewish settlements on occupied land. Negotiations began in Washington two weeks ago, after a 20-month gap. Lisa Mullins gets an update from Matthew Bell is in Jerusalem. Download MP3

• BBC coverage: talks to move to Jerusalem
• History of failed peace talks
• On The World: Peace talks in Egypt