Archive for January, 2013
US Ambassador to Finland Goes Great Guns
Bruce Oreck is the US Ambassador to Finland. He also happens to be a former professional body-builder. And now, Oreck is flexing his diplomatic muscle on the cover of Finland’s ProBody magazine.
Egyptian Television Satirist Bassem Youssef in Trouble With Islamists
Television satirist Bassem Youssef has allegedly insulted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi on his TV show. On his program, Youssef was seen sweet-talking and hugging a red furry pillow carrying President Morsi’s image, while mocking his speech style.
Music Heard on Air for January 2, 2013
Tunes spun on The World between our reports for January 2, 2013. Artists featured are: Senor Mandril, Caravan Palace, Vieux Farka Toure, Jose Zeca Neves, Groupo Lokito, Kaya Project, Habib Koite & Bamada.
The Challenges Facing Jordan and its King
Jordan’s King Abdullah has managed to mostly fend off demands for internal change inspired by popular uprisings in neighboring Arab states. He’s done that in part by paying for a string of public works projects. But that may not work for much longer. Jordan is facing financial crisis.
The Year Ahead in Latin America
Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez is struggling to recover from a fourth cancer operation and officials describe his situation as “delicate.” Julia Sweig, of the Council on Foreign Relations, says it’s unlikely Chavez will be able to attend the swearing in for his fourth term in office slated for January 10th.
Brilliantly Colored Sea Slugs in Yellow, Green and Gold
We are looking for the name of the biblical body of water that stretches between northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula where you can brightly-colored sea slugs.
Sierra Leone Thumb Piano Player, Sorie Kondi, Finds American Audience Online
A street musician from Sierra Leone is cultivating an American audience, with a little help from the internet. Reporter Marlon Bishop tells us about Sorie Kondi and his thumb piano.
PRI’s The World: 1/1/2013
As 2013 dawned, the US Senate passed a measure to avoid the “fiscal cliff.” We find out how Europe is covering the political struggle over the US economy. Locksmiths in Pamplona, Spain push back on austerity by refusing to change locks on properties being foreclosed on by banks. We remember Chilean activist and singer Victor Jara. Those stories and more, Tuesday on The World.
Off With His Head! DNA Connects Louis XVI to Gruesome Relic
DNA evidence has connected a gruesome relic to the execution of the French King, Louis XVI, 1793. The report provokes thoughts on the nature of relics. And power.
The View of the (Fiscal) Cliff from Europe
The so-called “fiscal cliff” has been dominating news headlines here in the US for weeks. Across the pond, Europeans have been paying close attention and having similar, just as heated, debates about spending and taxes. The World’s Marco Werman gets the latest European view from London-based financial analyst Louise Cooper.
In Spain, Locksmiths Refuse to Cooperate with Foreclosures and Evictions
In Spain, in 2012, more than 50,000 families were evicted from their homes when they failed to pay their rent or mortgage. As the year wound down a handful of people committed suicide after learning they would be evicted. Now in Pamplona, a group of experts who help carry out the evictions has said ‘No more!’ Those experts? Locksmiths. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.
2012: The Year of Movements Massive and Minute in Europe
Hands down the biggest story out of Europe in 2012 was the euro-zone economic crisis. There was much talk of the future of the euro currency, of the financial viability of the union itself, of giant bail-outs to struggling governments and of capital flight from banks as risk-averse investors began moving their money to safer havens.
Sorting Through a Year of Tumult in the Mideast
It’s been a tumultuous year in the Arab world as citizens from Syria to Libya struggle to shake off the binds of authoritarian rule. We asked The World’s Middle East correspondent Matthew Bell to page back through his notes, looking for standout moments in 2012 and suggest what to keep an eye on in the year ahead.
‘A Better World for Mothers’: Leading African Women Contemplate the New Year
“A better world for mothers, daughters, sisters and wives.” Here are some thoughts on the coming year from four leading African women, including the Presidents of Malawi and Liberia.
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