Archive for January, 2013
In France, Algeria and Lance Armstrong Top Headlines
Two major stories dominate the headlines in many parts of the world Friday: the ongoing crisis at a desert gas plant in Algeria, and the confession of cyclist Lance Armstrong. Those are the top headlines not only in the US, but also in France, which has a long history with Algeria and with Lance Armstrong.
Algerian Gas Plant: Miles from Nowhere but a BlackBerry Works Fine
Three days into the Algerian hostage crisis there are still many unknowns. One reason may be the extreme isolation of the gas plant located deep within the Saharan desert nearly 1,000 miles from the capital Algiers. Or is it?
Single and Over 27: What the Chinese Government Calls ‘Leftover Women’
If you’re a woman in China in your late 20s or older, and you’re not yet married, you might find yourself labeled a “leftover woman.” The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports on why the Chinese government wants highly educated women to get married, and why some are resisting the pressure.
Music Heard on the Air for January 18, 2013
All the tunes spun on The World between our reports for January 18, 2013 are from Samuel Yirga’s latest album “Guzo.”
Lance Armstrong, Lying, and Human Nature
In the wake of Lance Armstrong’s televised admission of doping, The World’s Alex Gallafent makes the connection between doping in sport, the banking crisis, and the lies we all tell ourselves.
What Happens When a Charity is Tainted by Scandal?
These are challenging times for Lance Armstrong’s LIVESTRONG charity. Cathy Pharoah is at City University’s Cass Center for Charity Effectiveness in London.
Cartoon Slideshow: Lance Fesses Up (Sort of)
Lance Armstrong’s stupendous fall from grace is the topic of this cartoon slideshow. See Lance with his head in his hands — literally. See Lance take one last injection of drugs: truth serum. And see a little boy being treated for cancer through the Livestrong Foundation wonder if he now has to apologise for taking drugs.
Spain’s First High-Speed Connection to the Rest of Europe
Spain has had high-speed trains for years. But connections to the rest of Europe were clunky. Until now. The World’s Gerry Hadden is among the first passengers to take Spain’s FAST train to France – and the rest of Europe.
Sustainable Transport Award for Mexico’s Capital
The Sustainable Transport Award was given to honor the city’s effort in vastly improving its “livability” through transportation programs that focus more on people than on cars.
Daring to go Pantless in Jerusalem
Reporter Daniel Estrin reports that going pants-less was a daring thing to do in a city filled with large populations of religiously devout Jews and Muslims.
Ethiopia’s Samuel Yirga: From Dub Colossus to Solo Artist
Samuel Yirga is a member of the UK/Ethiopian group Dub Colossus. Now, the pianist and composer branches out with a solo CD called ‘Guzo.’
PRI’s The World: 01/17/2013 (Sweden, Finland, Saudi Arabia)
Confusion over the fate of hostages held by militants in Algeria. Also, why the US is steering clear of intervention in Mali. Plus, a conversation with one of the first women appointed to serve on a key council in Saudi Arabia.
Military Operation Ends at Algerian Gas Facility with Uncertain Outcome
Early Thursday, the Algerian government forces launched an operation to try and free the hostages — some of whom are Americans. The operation apparently began when Algerian forces fired on a militant convoy that was carrying some of the captives. BBC Arab Affairs Editor Sebastian Usher is following the crisis from London.
Why the US is Staying Out of Mali
Washington is keeping the conflict in the West African nation of Mali at arm’s length. American officials say they are providing intelligence to France and are considering deploying American aircraft to land in Mali for airlift or logistical support. But there are no plans to send American troops.
What Malian Expats Think About US Involvement in the Region
Malians in the US are watching and talking about the events unfolding back home and there is no shortage of opinions, especially when it comes to US involvement.
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