The World's Quil Lawrence reports from the Gaza Strip, which had its borders sealed today by Israel. The Israelis are trying to stop Palestinians from launching rockets into Israel. Closing off the border is also supposed to weaken support for Hamas. But many Palestinians say that part of the strategy isn't working.

Entire program - Jan 18, 2008

This week's podcast leads with Kenya. In the wake of ongoing post-election violence, we highlight two technology stories that are of importance. Also, South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius, known as the Blade Runner, got some bad news this week about his bid to try to run in the Beijing Olympics. And we end with a report from the one panel discussion at CES the World's Technology Podcast found remotely interesting.

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The World's Patrick Cox update us on a cultural phenomenon that began in Europe but has now gone global. People from Finland to Singapore are getting together to form "Complaints Choirs." As the name implies, these choirs are in the business of singing the complaints of its members. And the originators of the complaints choirs have a complaint or two of their own.

Botanists are reporting the discovery of a spectacular new species of palm tree found on the island of Madagascar. The giant palm flowers once a century, and then essentially self destructs. The BBC's Jonny Hogg has more.

Today's geo answer is the Ebro River in Spain. It's the site of one of the last battles of the Spanish Civil War. Many Americans fought in the Spanish Civil War...and their stories are chronicled by a group called the Lincoln Brigade Archives. Anchor Marco Werman finds out more from the group's chairman, Peter Carroll.

The World's Matthew Bell reports that South Korea's president-elect has stirred up controversy by proposing changes in the way Seoul deals with North Korea. Among the changes, the possible dismantling of South Korea's Unification Ministry.

Our daily geography quiz.

One week after President Bush's visit to the Middle East to discuss a peace agreement, violence has erupted in the Gaza Strip. Palestinians fired rockets and bombs into southern Israel. Israeli forces responded by firing on Gaza. Anchor Marco Werman gets the story from The World's Quil Lawrence, who's in Gaza.

The Baltic nation of Estonia is trying to make a name for itself in the world of technology. So far, at least one of its high-tech innovations has gone global. Skype...the software that lets you make free phone calls over the internet is used by millions around the world. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Skype manager Sten Tamkivi.