The Land of the Rising Sun has become for some The Land of Rising Radiation Levels. The aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami has cartoonists morphing the red disc in Japan’s flag into everything from a radiation hazard symbol to a skull.
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The massive earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan spawn multiple images of a famous Japanese woodblock print. The tangled role of oil in the world’s response to Libya, and the space shuttle Discovery retires into the arms of another beached phenom.
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The World Economic Forum is going on right now in Davos, Switzerland. The annual gathering attracts many of the world’s top business leaders. Usually that means a whole lot of men and very few women. This year, though, organizers have imposed a gender quota on top corporate participants. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Pakistani economist Saadia Zahidi. She heads the forum’s “gender parity program.” Download MP3
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In this week’s World in Words podcast, we explore when it’s helpful to understand a foreign language, and when it’s essential. Also, an Islamic calligraphy master offers classes in his Arlington, Virginia home. And Broadway star Amra-Faye Wright talks about learning Japanese so she could perform “Chicago” in Tokyo.Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Some of the world’s longest tunnels figure in today’s Geo Quiz. The rescue of the miners in Chile via a long tunnel was an engineering feat. And then there’s Japan’s Seikan Tunnel. At just over 33 miles long it was – until today that is – the longest underground rail tunnel. Can you name the newly completed tunnel through the Alps on the north-south axis in Europe? Download MP3Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
British scientist Robert Edwards has won the Nobel Prize for Medicine for his part in developing IVF – or in-vitro fertilization. IVF is now a fairly common method of aiding conception – but it’s expensive. However there are efforts to make fertility treatment more accessible to those in the poorest regions of the world. Dr. Ian Cooke is one of the founders of the Low Cost IVF Foundation, which is based in Switzerland. Lisa Mullins talks with him. Download MP3
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Governments throughout Europe have begun the long process of reducing national debts and slashing state budgets. What will it all mean for the European model of generous social welfare? Also a look at one European nation that seems immune from the financial troubles there, and another country that wants to be in the Euro club. And, we won’t charge you for this podcast, but the London Times is charging for its content. Is this future of online journalism? And will it work? Download MP3Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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For today’s Geo Quiz we’re looking for a beautiful Swiss valley, abuzz with helicopter trips for skiers. And not everyone’s happy about that. The valley is about 40 miles southeast of the city of Bern. So, what’s the name of this valley? (flickr image: zug55) Download MP3
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looking for a Spanish port city in today’s Geo Quiz. This city is preparing to host the next America’s Cup sailing competition in February. There’s been some doubt about the venue for this major international sailing event. But barring a last minute appeal, the race will be staged in Spanish waters. The likely host city has been the venue before.
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In the Geo Quiz, we’re looking for the country with the world’s highest ratio of nuclear fallout shelter space to national population. Now, tourists can experience what life is like inside one of those nuclear shelters.
Today’s Geo Quiz asked you to name the country with the most nuclear fallout shelter space per citizen. The answer is Switzerland. Now tourists can get a taste of life inside one of these shelters in the form of the the Null Stern Hotel. Anchor Lisa Mullins finds out more from the man behind the [...]
