Archive for 2012


‘Ike’s Bluff’ Examines President Eisenhower in a New Nuclear World

Eisenhower National Historic Site, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

In his new Eisenhower biography, “Ike’s Bluff,” Evan Thomas explodes the stereotype of President Eisenhower, revealing a man fully aware of the implications of the new nuclear age, and determined to set a template for deterrence that would save the world from annihilation.

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The World on Twitter: Monday, Oct. 8

The World newsroom (Photo: Tory Starr)

Here are some of the stories we’re thinking about this morning through a selection of tweets from The World’s newsroom, Monday, October 8.

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Conservation Drones Help Protect Orangutans

Sumatran Orangutan (Photo: Flickr Creative Commons: The Evo Man)

Scientists trying to protect the endangered Sumatran orangutan have adopted an unusual tool for their work: Drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles are a quick and inexpensive way to monitor orangutans and their habitat.

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The Early Years of Thin Lizzy Singer Phil Lynott

A 1983 photo of Phil Lynott. (Photo: Harry Potts/Wikipedia)

Phil Lynott, the lead singer of Irish rock band Thin Lizzy, died in 1986 after abusing heroin. His mother, Philomena Lynott, has spoken to the BBC about giving birth to a bi-racial baby in the late 1940s, and the difficulties that that entailed.

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Chavez Wins Fourth Term in Venezuela

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez waves the national flag while celebrating from a balcony at Miraflores Palace in Caracas. (Photo: REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez easily won a fourth term in Sunday’s vote despite facing his most serious challenge in years.

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Music Heard on Air for October 8, 2012

Tunes spun on The World between our reports for October 8, 2012. Artists featured are: Gustavo Santaolalla, Charanga Cakewalk, Habib Koite, Toubab Krewe, Fragile State, The East Harlem Orchestra.

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What a Chavez Re-Election Means for the US

President Hugo Chavez holds the sword used by former Venezuelan military leader Simon Bolivar while celebrating from a balcony at Miraflores Palace. (Photo: REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

Hugo Chavez has not had the best of relations with the US. He has aligned himself with American adversaries including Cuba, Syria and Iran. What does Chavez’ next term mean for US-Venezuelan relations?

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National Geographic Photographers See ‘Life in Color’

Terraced rice fields create a colorful mosaic of patterns. (Photo: National Geographic/Thierry Bornier Yunnan, China )

National Geographic Photographers see the world in bright colors. And to prove its point, National Geographic is publishing a book called “Life in Color.” In it, chapters are arranged not according to geographic locations, but to color schemes.

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Belgium Comic Book Industry Trying to Make a Comeback

Perusing comics at the Cultures Maison Fair and Expo in Brussels. (Photo: Don Duncan)

Belgium’s comic book industry has been in the dumps for decades, but the country is fighting back by trying to become a center of innovation and excellence.

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Abu Ghosh Festival Celebrates Vocal Music in Israel

Musician at the Abu Ghosh Vocal Music Festival (Photo: Matthew Bell)

In a region where religion often pulls people apart, it’s refreshing to see Israelis musicians visit a Muslim village and perform in a Roman-era Catholic Church.

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Boston Calling: Oct. 6 & 7

Haiti's Parc La Visite

We give you the rundown for this weekend’s edition of Boston Calling, our new program for the BBC World Service.

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Lessons from Ike if Iran Goes Nuclear

Evan Thomas' "Ikes Bluff"

The image many of us have of President Dwight Eisenhower is an affable, grandfatherly figure, with that comforting, simple smile. You wouldn’t think he bore the burden of being the first human in history with the power to destroy civilization [...]

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Sound Tracks: Music Without Borders

PBS Sound Tracks

The new PBS series Sound Tracks roams the world in search of the most compelling music, musicians and singers. A new one-hour episode hosted by The World’s Marco Werman airs nationally on PBS on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 9 pm.

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PRI’s The World: 10/05/2012 (Trinidad & Tobago, Morocco, Canada)

An update on the Benghazi attack investigation, after the FBI was finally able to search the scene. Also, President Hugo Chavez faces his toughest election challenge in years this weekend in Venezuela. Plus, a GOP push to make inroads among Latino voters in Nevada.

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Investigation Continues Into Attack on US Consulate in Benghazi

US consulate in Benghazi after the attack (Photo: BBC)

FBI investigators have finally been able to search the site in Benghazi, Libya, where Ambassador Chris Stevens and other US personnel were killed last month.

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