02/27/2013
PRI’s The World: 02/27/2013 (Canada, Japan, North Korea)
The results from the Italian elections may cause economic and political effects across Europe and possibly the US. Also, in a surprise move, North Korea opens up its mobile network to foreigners. And Canada launches a raunchy ad campaign to curb texting while driving.
Beppe Grillo, The Man at the Heart of Italy’s Political Gridlock
The big winners of Italy’s elections, former comedian Beppe Grillo and his anti-establishment Five Star Movement, are rejecting any talk of forming a ruling coalition and rattling the markets in the process. Anchor Marco Werman has excerpts of an interview Grillo gave the BBC Wednesday, explaining his thinking, and a clip from 20 years ago where Grillo tells a joke that still sounds relevant.
Economic and Political Ripple Effects Felt From Italian Elections
The effects from Italy’s fractured election results are likely to cause problems in the Eurozone and beyond, including here in the United States.
Pope Benedict’s Farewell Audience
Pope Benedict XVI has given his final public audience as Pope. On Thursday, he officially steps down and becomes Pope Emeritus.
Tweets and Instagrams from North Korea Offer More Candid Peek from the Closed Country
In an unexpected move, the North Korean government has opened up it mobile network to foreigners. Now for the first time foreign reporters can access the internet from their phones and instantly post photos and tweets to the web.
Amid Concerns, Israel Sends Sudanese Home
Israel has quietly begun repatriating hundreds of Sudanese immigrants in recent months. The move raises questions about the migrants’ legal status in Israel and possible dangers they face back home in Sudan.
In Stressful Wake of Fukushima Disaster, Japan Now Dealing With ‘Atomic Divorce’
Two years after the Fukushima tsunami and nuclear disaster, life is still far from normal for survivors. Anxiety over radiation and discrimination is now causing mental health problems and a slew of social problems from divorce to suicide.
Remembering Classical Music Luminary Van Cliburn
American pianist Van Cliburn, a luminary in the world of classical music, died Wednesday in his home state of Texas. He was 78.
‘Crotches Kill’: Canadian Campaign to Stop Distracted Driving
A racy new ad campaign aimed at distracted drivers is being rolled out across the Canadian province of Alberta. The slogan is Crotches Kill. The ads remind drivers to keep their eyes on the road and not down at their phones. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Parker Hogan. He’s with Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation.
Brassy Kiwi Singer Gin Wigmore
With bleach-blonde hair, thick black eyeshadow, a big bright smile, and a collection of tattoos, 26-year-old Kiwi musician Gin Wigmore is an interesting sight to see. But perhaps what meets the ear is even more captivating than what meets the eye.
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