On air: Is contraception too important to be left to men?

The reason we’re asking this is because new research shows that a male contraceptive injection could be as effective at preventing pregnancies as the female pill or condoms.

It’s a monthly testosterone injection which works by temporarily blocking sperm production and could revolutionise birth control.

Talking Points: 5 May

Is it too late to save Pakistan? A top Pakistan official has urged residents in the Swat region to leave the area, because of fears of Taliban violence.

Meanwhile as Taliban fighters edge closer to Islamabad,  Washington is growing concerned about the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.

On air: Does the sex life of politicians matter?

 

The Berlusconi’s very public falling out is grabbing headlines — and has grabbed our attention.   The Italian Prime Minister has nwo demanded an apology from his wife. This after she said she wanted a divorce accusing him of “consorting with minors”

This is all in the middle of campaigning for the EU elections. So might it affect the way Italians vote? Does what politicians get up to in their private lives matter?

Talking Points: 4 May

Mixed messages about Swine flu over the weekend. Who to believe? Mexico says the virus has peaked, whilst the WHO insist we should continue to take extra caution. This Economist article agrees that this is not a time for complacency.  China seems to be taking this message very seriously. Mexico has expressed fury at the way  it’s citizens have been treated in China. Is it right to discriminate against a population for the sake of your own country’s health?

Heading for the country

After the shift in advice on when we will and won’t be contagious, I’ve decided to stay away from my daughter and, in an improbable turn of events, am now driving around south-east England in a motorhome I’ve borrowed from my brother-in-law. I’m staying away until Wednesday.

Here’s an article I’ve written for the Guardian about our experience since we’ve been back.

On air: Does keeping economies afloat matter more than stopping the swine flu?

This May Day weekend in Mexico will feel very different. Instead of parades and celebrations, all non-essential government services will close, along with cinemas, bars and restaurants. It’s believed it could cost $60 billion a day to the economy of Mexico city alone. And it’s not just that country’s economy that’s being hit. Stocks are falling, flights are being cancelled, 300,000 pigs have been killed in Egypt and some countries are banning pork imports. As many analysts are saying, this is the last thing the fragile world economy needs right now, let alone the vulnerable economy of Mexico. Is Mexico doing the right thing? Or does keeping the economy going matter more than stopping the swine flu?

Talking points 1.5.09

Hi from quaratine, and happy May Day. I can’t see too far beyond swine flu for today’s show, especially now that Mexico is preparing to do what everyone there feared and shut down parts of its economy. Have a look at these suggestions and let me know what you think.