Economy
Is Our Economy Better Than Theirs?
12:27
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Monday, December 31, 2012
Africa
Congo Fighting Leaves A Fragile City On Edge
December 31, 2012 In recent years, the Congolese city of Goma has been a bit of a haven for those fleeing war in surrounding areas. But now, the army and rebels are both in the city, raising fears that fighting could break out at any time.
The Two-Way
China Kicks Out 'New York Times' Reporter
December 31, 2012 Reporter Chris Buckley is forced to leave China when his journalist visa is not extended. The case is seen as a sign of an increasingly hard-line stance toward the foreign media.
Books
A Child Of The Slums Becomes A 'Queen' Of Chess
December 31, 2012 Phiona Mutesi grew up in one of the roughest slums in Uganda. Her days were spent focusing on survival, until she discovered chess. She's now on her way to becoming a world-class chess competitor. Host Michel Martin speaks with Mutesi, her coach Robert Katende, and Tim Crothers, who chronicles her story in his new book, The Queen of Katwe.
The Salt
Green Grapes And Red Underwear: A Spanish New Year's Eve
December 31, 2012 As a clock tower rings out 12 chimes, people all over the country will scoff a dozen grapes, hoping for good luck. With several seeds per grape and only a couple of seconds to swallow each one, the task is harder than it sounds. And then there's the bit about wearing a gift of red undergarments.
Economy
Europe Fails To Stimulate Growth In 2012
December 31, 2012 Europe spent much of this year trying to hold its common currency pact together. Greece, Spain, Italy and other countries flirted with disaster as interest rates spiked, forcing the debtor nations to accept austerity programs. The turmoil was bad enough to push much of the eurozone into recession.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Social Entrepreneurs: Taking On World Problems
Street Signs Intended To Give Pakistani City New Direction
December 30, 2012 In one of Pakistan's oldest cities, Lahore, street signs are rare, and people constantly ask for directions. Two young entrepreneurs are hoping to change that with a project to make street signs commonplace.
Europe
The Mysterious Disappearance Of The Russian Crown Jewels
December 30, 2012 After the 1917 Russian Revolution, there was a debate over what to do with the spectacular jewels that had symbolized the power and wealth of the czars. Most have remained in the Kremlin, but some can't be traced.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
The Two-Way
Anger Swells As Indians Mourn For Rape Victim
December 29, 2012 As thousands of candles glow at a somber scene in a central Delhi park on Saturday, there is quiet, sober reflection in India about the tragic end of a young woman who has come to symbolize violence against all women in India.
Europe
Same-Sex Marriage And Adoption: Unresolved Issues In France
December 29, 2012 Opposition to a bill allowing gay couples to adopt has been unexpectedly fierce in the country, which legalized civil unions more than a decade ago. In a rare move, and to the surprise of many, even the French Catholic Church has become involved in the debate.
History
Virtually Anyone Can See The Dead Sea Scrolls Now
December 29, 2012 This past week, Google and the Israel Antiquities Authority posted thousands of high-resolution images of the Dead Sea Scrolls online. Now, anyone can get up-close and personal with the ancient biblical texts — rewrites and all.
