Archive for October, 2012
Animal Infections That Spill Over Into Humans
Everyone remembers the swine flu pandemic of 2009. Swine flu, along with AIDS and SARS make up a group of diseases called zoonotic diseases, or diseases that have jumped into humans from animals. And such diseases may be on the rise, according to a new book called “Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic.”
Syrian Toddler Reunited with Family after Being Left During Shelling
It was a happy reunion this week for one Syrian family. A 2-year-old Syrian boy was reunited with his parents after he was inadvertently left behind in Damascus when the family fled shelling, and presumed dead. The family had left Syria and sought asylum in Cyprus when they discovered their son was alive.
What’s in a Street Name? In Jerusalem, Plenty
Many streets in Arab East Jerusalem are unnamed. Jerusalem’s mayor has launched a campaign to name them and put up street signs. While many locals welcome this, some fear that it’s part of an Israeli plan to annexe the Arab parts of the city.
Jollibee: A Taste of Home for Filipinos
For Filipinos in the US, there’s a quick way to go home — eating at a Jollibee. It’s fast food — hamburgers, hotdogs, shakes, but with a Filipino flavor. While it may seem like American fast food, back home Jollibee has beat McDonald’s at its own game. Reporter Aurora Almendral of Feet in 2 Worlds reports from a Jollibee in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Lulu Gainsbourg Wants to Step out of his Father’s Shadow
Lucien Gainsbourg, the son of the late legendary French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg has recorded covers of his father’s best loved songs for his debut album.
PRI’s The World: 10/25/2012 (India, Syria, Netherlands)
Rebels gain ground in Syria’s largest city Aleppo. We hear the latest. Also, we check out political claims that Latin America is “a huge opportunity” for US business. And we decode the video of Chinese dissident artist Ai-Weiwei going Gangnam style.
Battle for Aleppo Rages as Ceasefire Looms
Syrian rebels appear to have taken three important neighborhoods in the country’s biggest city, Aleppo. The city is key to the survival of the regime. Anchor Marco Werman analyses the balance of power in Syria with Joshua Landis, of Oklahoma University, and Syrian opposition activist, Professor Amr al-Azm of Shawnee State University in Ohio.
‘Memory Projects’ to Honor the Victims of Violence in Colombia and Mexico
Mexico and Colombia have a shared experience of brutal conflict fueled by drug trafficking. And in both countries, the families of victims have had to overcome taboos about speaking out to remember what happened and honor the memory of those killed. But so-called “memory projects” in Colombia have made some inroads could offer some guidance for activists trying to create such projects in Mexico.
Music Heard on The Air, Thursday, October 25, 2012
Tunes Spun On The World between our reports on Thursday, October 25, 2012. Artists featured are Baaba Maal & Mansour Seck, Soul Brothers, Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba featuring Harouna Samake, Just A Band, Silina Musango and Toubab Krewe.
Reality Check: Romney Promises More Trade with Latin America
Mitt Romney says he’d focus on increasing free trade opportunities with Latin American countries. But what could a President Romney, or any American president, practically do?
Ford Stalls Out in Europe
American car maker Ford is shutting down some plants in Europe. The closings in Belgium and the UK will mean thousands fewer jobs in those countries by 2014. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with BBC’s Jorn Madslien about the changing European auto industry.
Chinese Authorities Ban Ai Weiwei’s ‘Gangnam Style’ Video
Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei has gone ‘Gangnam Style’, creating a parody of the viral video hit performed by South Korean rap sensation PSY. And it stumped Chinese censors… for a bit, until they decided to block Internet access to the video.
Dutch Cyclists May Get Heated Bike Lanes
The Dutch may not have to ditch their bikes quite so often during the winter. One Dutch company wants to heat the country’s bicycle lanes with a geothermal heating system.
What Happened to Britain’s Stiff Upper Lip?
Britons used to impress the world with their displays of resilience and sangfroid. But recently, they express themselves as much by crying as by grinning and bearing it. Should the stiff upper lip be consigned to history? Plus, the origin of ‘Keep Calm and Carry On,’ and a Belgian take on that slogan.
Where is ‘South Detroit’?
The Geo Quiz is looking for a place that may or may not exist: South Detroit.
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