Immersion

Today’s theme is immersion. We’ll be hearing about what it’s like to surround yourself in a completely different environment – no matter what the cost. We’ll take the plunge into the icy-cold waters of San Francisco Bay with the swimmers who risk it all to get to The Rock. We’ll meet two Americans who have dedicated their lives to the Hare Krishna religious movement. And we’ll hear about the challenges of Bhutanese and Iraqi refugees trying to make a new life in America.

This show was produced by Kristine Wong. The assistant producer was Diana Montano. The hosts were Huda Ahmed and Paul Gackle. Our engineer was Kerry Seed, and our executive producer was Peter Finch. The webmaster is Ian Sherr.

No jobs make transition tough for refugees

Bhutan is a country nestled between India and Tibet. In the early ‘90s ethnic conflict permanently displaced tens of thousands of Bhutanese. The earliest arrivals came to the U.S. seeking political asylum in 2000, finding jobs in a healthy economy. But the current recession is making a tough transition for Bhutanese refugees who began arriving last summer. Adelaide Chen reports from Oakland.

Download link: Here


Bhutanese refugees are ethnic Nepalis who have no citizenship to either country. They are seeking a new life and jobs in the U.S.

Immersion into the Mainstream

After being diagnosed in eighth grade with Asperger’s Syndrome, Michael Tick decided to go to a high school for students with special needs. Four years later, he’s attending community college and experiencing the Freshman life. Adelaide Chen asks if programs like the one he attended helped him adjust to living in the mainstream as an adult.

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For more information on Asperger's Syndrome, you can get more information from Wikipedia, here.

And WebMD's information page, here.

Life With Krishna

Devotees of the Hare Krishna movement dedicate their entire lives to serving their God – Krishna. Kristine Wong reports on life inside the Berkeley Hare Krishna temple.

Download link: Here

For more information about the Hare Krishnas, visit the International Society of Krishna Consciousness website, here


Hare Krishna Temple in Berkeley


Statue of Hare Krishna founder Swami Prabhupada


Unveiling the deities


Damodar Prasad, 21, Hare Krishna monk


Tulsi (basil) plant worshipped by the Hare Krishnas

New Life for the Bay Area Iraqi Refugees:

Many Iraqi families have fled the civil sectarian violence in Iraq after the U.S. led invasion in 2003. Some of them found a safe haven in neighboring countries while others left for other countries like the United States. But the war has taken its toll on most Iraqis. Huda Ahmed reports from Oakland.

Download link: Here

Open Water

Each year, thousands of swimmers immerse themselves in the frigid waters of San Francisco Bay for the famous swim from Alcatraz. Some find it calming. Most call it crazy. Everyone agrees it’s cold. Reporter Matt Durning left dry land to meet a group of Bay Area athletes preparing to take the plunge.

Download link: Here

For more information on World Water Swim, visit their website, here.

YouTube Video of Pedro Ordenes crossing the Straight of Magellan, here.

April 14th, 2009
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: ian

1 Comment(s)

  1. Comment by Puneet on April 14, 2009 7:52 am

    Good job Kristine. You have a calming and soothing voice and you gave an excellent presentation.

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