Archive for October, 2012
In New York City, Hurricane Shutdown Cancels United Nations Meetings
Hurricane Sandy has led to a major shutdown in New York City. The BBC’s United Nations correspondent, Barbara Plett says the headquarters are closed today and that many important meetings just won’t happen.
Hurricane Sandy: Closed New York Stock Exchange Reverberates Around the World
The New York Stock Exchange shut down Monday, the first time since the September 11th terrorist attacks. Host Lisa Mullins talks with Andrew Hilton about the economic impact the shutdown will have oversees that may not occur to most Americans.
Hurricane Sandy Serves as ‘Wake-Up Call’ to the Dangers of Rising Sea Levels
Klaus Jacob, a geo-physicist and senior research scientist at Columbia University talks with host Lisa Mullins about how engineers in Japan and Bangladesh have devised unique solutions to cope with rising sea levels.
Nairobi Glue Pusher Preys on Addicted Kids to Help Her Own
In Nairobi, many street kids inhale glue for a cheap high, and many of the dealers who sell them the glue are women. They’re called Mama Pimas. The World’s Anders Kelto met one Mama Pima who explains that she entered this illegal trade, which harms children, as a way to feed her own.
South African President Zuma Drops Case Over Zapiro’s ‘Rape’ Cartoon
In South Africa, a four-year saga over a political cartoon is over, and the winner appears to be the cartoonist, Zapiro, the pen name of Jonathan Shapiro. Sunday President Jacob Zuma announced he was dropping all charges against Zapiro and a local newspaper The Sunday Times, over a cartoon published in 2008.
Music Heard on Air for October 29, 2012
Tunes spun on The World between our reports for October 29, 2012. Artists featured are: Charanga Cakewalk, Toubab Krewe, Issa Bagayogo, Habib Koite.
Venezuelans Make All the Difference in the World Series
Between the San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers, nine Venezuelans played in this year’s World Series. We find out how Venezuelans are reacting to the Giants’ victory, and to the fact that Pablo Sandoval was named World Series MVP.
Mexican Village Fed Up With Gangs and Illegal Loggers, Sets Up Own Government
An indigenous village in Mexico got fed up with gangs and illegal loggers acting with impunity. So they kicked them out, kicked out their local authorities and set up their own government. And some other villages are looking at it too. Reporter Annie Murphy has the story.
HMS Bounty Falls Victim to Hurricane Sandy
Two crewmen are missing at sea after the tall ship, HMS Bounty, was abandoned off Cape Hatteras. The ship was built in 1960 for the Marlon Brando movie, “Mutiny on the Bounty”. The captain abandoned ship after the pumps failed in heavy seas. Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with former sailor, Kelsey Freeman.
Tracking Hurricanes from the Caribbean
Meteorologist Kathy Ann Caesar of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology in Barbados says the islands along the southern rim of the Caribbean rarely experience direct hits by hurricanes, due to their proximity to the equator, and to the way tropical storms form. But she adds, these islands still need to be vigilant.
Fijian Band Rosiloa Keeps Culture Alive Through Music
Although Fiji is known for its scenic landscapes and beaches, the country has also struggled over the past few decades. Four military coups have taken place since 1987. And the effects of modernization are visible on the country’s land and coral reefs. Reporter Michael Rhee visited a Fijian band Rosiloa on the main island of Viti Levu who are trying to keep their culture alive.
PRI’s The World: 10/26/2012 (China, Italy, Syria)
Beijing blocks a New York Times article on the riches amassed by the family of China’s premier Wen Jiabao. Also, former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is found guilty of tax fraud. Plus, the challenges and opportunities of broadcasting the World Series for a British audience.
Story of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s Wealth Challenges Popular Image
China has blocked access to The New York Times website after it posted an investigative piece claiming that the family of Premier Wen Jiabao had amassed some $2.7 billion through a series of investments made after Wen came to power in 2002. The claims challenge the popular image of the humble official known by many Chinese as “Grandpa Wen”.
Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi Found Guilty of Tax Fraud
Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has been found guilty of tax evasion. He was sentenced by a court in Milan to four years in prison, but later reduced to just one. Megan Williams talks to Marco Werman about the ruling, and what comes next to Italy’s flamboyant former leader.
World Series: Bringing Baseball Alive for the BBC
The World’s Clark Boyd catches up with Simon Brotherton and Josh Chetwynd, who are tasked with bringing the World Series alive for the BBC audience in Britain.
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