Cuckoo for Switzerland: In reality, the Swiss have produced a remarkable success story that goes far beyond the signature tourist products they are known for: chocolates, watches, and knives. They have one of the world’s most stable economies, a skilled workforce, internationally recognized export companies, a sound currency, and renowned banking and financial services. All this is combined with remarkable social harmony, given that Switzerland has four national languages and great religious diversity. [The American]
In Turkey, head scarves are potent political symbols: But whatever shape it takes, and whatever you want to call it, the political controversy surrounding the scarves that many (though not all) Islamic women use to cover their heads will not go away. The debate surrounding head scarves, banned in French schools and some German state institutions, has just re-emerged at the center of an extraordinary lawsuit, one that could, if successful, bring down the Turkish government. [Slate]
Colleges take more notice of gambling problems: Whether it’s in dorm rooms or at a “casino night” fundraiser, gambling pervades college campuses. And more schools are starting to take notice of the problems it can spawn. [CSM]
THE SOUL IN THE MACHINE ROBOTS GET CUDDLY: The snuggling Ifbot will sing to you, Actroid DER will greet you with a smile. Dominic Ziegler gets up close and personal with the tangle of actuators and wire that the Japanese count as friends… [More Intelligent Life]
Ballet amid the bullets in Iraq: An arts school is an oasis for children who keep culture alive despite war and threats from extremists. [LA Times]
Russian cave cult deserts underground lair: Members of a Russian cult who have lived underground for the past six months to prepare for the imminent destruction of the planet left their cave today after it began to collapse around them. [Telegraph]
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