As the fighting continues in Gaza, the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, is sending a delegation to Cairo. There is speculation that Egypt is trying to mediate a solution. Anchor Lisa Mullins gets the latest from the BBC's Magdi Abdelhadi in Cairo.

Our daily geography puzzler.

The use of so-called functional foods, is on the rise, especially in China and Japan. Functional foods are those fortified with additional vitamins or minerals. Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Bob Jones of the management consulting firm Scientia Advisors about why one country will accept a particular functional food and another will reject it.

This weekend marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille. He was the creator of a writing system for the blind and visually impaired. The World's Alex Gallafent examines Braille's legacy.

The answer to today's Geo Quiz is the Norwegian town of Geilo. Each year on the first full moon, the town hosts an annual Ice Music Festival that features music played on instruments carved entirely out of ice.

The World's Marco Werman profiles a singer from the West African country of Burkina Faso. His name is Victor Deme and he put out his first album at the age of 46.

Today on The World: Israel defends its action in Gaza, even as civilian casualties rise; also, Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi of Iran faces angry protests and a government crackdown; Plus, a sample of Calypso funk and soul music from the 1970's.

Reaction within Israel to the military assault on Gaza ranges from adamant support to condemnation. The World's Quil Lawrence reports from the Gaza-Israel border.

Gaza conflict

Life is getting difficult in Iran for Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi. The Iranian government closed the headquarters of her human rights organization last month. Now angry protesters are demonstrating outside her home - accusing her of sympathizing with Israel. Anchor Lisa Mullins find out more from reporter Borzou Daragahi of the Los Angeles Times.

Leon Panetta

President-elect Barack Obama has drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats for his choice of former congressman Leon Panetta to head the CIA. Though widely admired, Panetta has little experience in intelligence matters. The World's Jeb Sharp reports.