Author Kong Dan Oh’s ‘North Korea Through the Looking Glass’

Korean specialist Kong Dan Oh gives her insight into North Korea. Oh was born to North Korean parents and has spent her life studying the misfit nation.

Humoring the Chinese: An American Comedian has a Run-in With Chinese Censorship

Fulbright scholar Jesse Appell went to China to study the tradition of Chinese stand-up comedy. But after he made a spoof video of Psy’s megahit, “Gangnam Style” which he called “Laowai Style” he found himself at the center of his own comedy.

Venezuelans Chart Post-Chavez Future in Sunday Vote

Venezuelans head to the polls Sunday to pick a new leader. They’ll chose between Interim President Nicolas Maduro, who vows to continue Chavez’s socialist policies, and opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. Jennifer McCoy of the Carter Center is there to monitor the vote.

The Political Divide in Venezuela

Caracas resident Juan Espinoza will be casting his ballot for Venezuela’s interim president Nicolas Maduro. The members of funk band Los Amigos Invisibles on the other hand are not exactly fans of the Chavinista movement.

Norwegian Kicker Havard Rugland Signs Detroit Lions NFL Deal After YouTube Video Goes Viral

UPDATE: Norwegian Havard Rugland’s goal of one day playing in the NFL will come true. Rugland became a YouTube phenomenon with his trick kicks video. Friday it was announced Rugland has signed with the Detroit Lions who were looking for a new kicker following the retirement of 21-season veteran Jason Hanson.

In Russia, Raids on NGOs Deemed ‘Foreign Agents’ Continue

The Russian government is conducting raids on NGOs, claiming they receive large funds from foreign countries and need to register as “foreign agents.” Some of these NGOs conduct election monitoring or historical research. Moscow News Acting Editor Natalia Antonova says the NGO Memorial is digging up new evidence that Stalin personally ordered executions during the purge of 1930-1938 and that this is still upsetting many Russians.

Margaret Thatcher: The Headmistress Britain Still Loves/Hates

Even in death, Britain’s former Prime Minister seems to hold sway over Britain. Over the last week, the country has seen everything from plans for a quasi-state funeral to booming sales of the song ‘Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead.”

Iran and the US: An Interpreter Working For Both Sides Hits a Wall

A California man who used to take pride in his role in helping facilitate communication between US and Iran may be facing a forced career change.

Students from the Afghan Youth Orchestra Perform for The World

Anne Smedinghoff, the 25-year-old American diplomat killed by a bomb while delivering textbooks to children in Afghanistan, was also involved in promoting a recent Afghan youth orchestra trip to the United States.

Next Stop! Parisian Metro Station to be Named for French Chanteur

Next stop! Geo Quiz: One of the newest metro stops being added to the Paris Metro- Line 11 will be named in honor of an endearing French singer famous for “Poinconour des Lilas”. Can you name the singer?

Coffee Life in Japan

Japan’s coffee culture includes some meticulous rituals and some quirky theme cafes. Anchor Marco Werman meets Merry White, author of “Coffee Life in Japan” to drink Japanese style coffee and learn about the history behind Japan’s obsession with the cup of joe.

PRI’s The World: 04/11/2013 (Myanmar, Spain, Scotland)

China works to contain the latest bird flu outbreak, while cracking down on people it says are spreading panic. Also, we hear how the Arab Spring is helping to transform sexuality in the Arab world. Plus, a melding of photographs and songs helps tell the story of Northern Ireland’s recent history.

Live Conversation: What is the Role of Men in the Fight for Women’s Safety?

China’s Bird Flu Credibility Gap

The Chinese government is reacting to the new outbreak of bird flu with some refreshing transparency. But The World’s Mary Kay Magistad in Beijing tells anchor Marco Werman that some Chinese who have questioned official statistics have landed in jail.

Tweets and Germs: Monitoring Infectious Diseases Online

Several scientific groups are tracking the global spread of infectious diseases by monitoring Twitter, web searches, and other content online. The World’s Rhitu Chatterjee looks at the promise and challenges of disease surveillance via the internet.