Semi-Circle, Social Zebras, Breast Cancer Awareness, Health Spots # 1.1 - Pregnancy

Celebrating in 2015 its 40th year of existence and 30th year as a formal society, the Semi-Circle Basel is a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting English-language theater in the Basel region. Their newest production is called "True Colours : An Evening of One Act Plays", where they ask the question: what happens when we reveal our true selves? Performance dates are November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14. The performances include comic, serious, and thoughtful one-act plays linked by the theme of revelation of hidden character, emotion, or conflict. Director Stephanie Feddern and Semi-Circle president Sue Newstead were in the studio to tell us more. Listen to the interview again here.

The Social Zebras, a Bern-based group of men that help men live their most awesome life, joined us to explain their origins and activities. Now numbering 25, the group has promoted events throughout Switzerland and meets weekly on Thursdays to plot their upcoming activities. In addition to self-improvement and self-actualization exercises, they also organize social experiments that enhance the lives of participants and their environment.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Our correspondent Stephanie Németh-Parker talked to Professor Athanassios Dellas at the Mammografie-Screening Centre in Basel-Stadt about early detection, mammographies, and health insurance. The Centre's website has detailed information in English and other languages. Listen to the interview again here.

The English Show is proud to participate in Radio X's 'Gesundheitsspots'. This is a series of short public service announcements designed to demystify Swiss health services in the listener's native language. Our first two spots give an overview over what to do when you are pregnant. To listen to them again, click here and here.

Culture and Politics

On a cultural and political note, there has been some wrangling between Basel-Stadt and Basel-Land about their contracts for the University of Basel and various cultural institutions. In a nutshell, Basel-Land has wanted to opt out of the contract, which would have far-reaching consequences for Basel as a centre of intellect and culture. Institutions and venues such as the Basel Sinfonietta, Ensemble Phoenix, Gare du Nord, House of Electronic Arts, Kaserne Basel, Symphony Orchestra Basel, Theater Basel and many more would have to drastically reduce their programme or fold altogether.

Thankfully, the two half-cantons have managed to reach a compromise: Basel-Stadt will provide Basel-Land contribution relief for the annual 20 million Swiss Franc shortfall (meaning they'll contribute that portion of the budget) for the years 2016-2019. In return, Basel-Land won't terminate its real-estate contracts with the University of Basel and other cultural centres.

There is still a petition going around which you can sign (even if you're not a Swiss citizen) if you'd like to support the cultural institutions. There's downloadable petition form here - sign and send it to the address at the bottom of the form by October 31st, 2015.

Music

Our songs this week all featured whistling. From Otis Redding to Foster The People, they've all had a go. We played:

Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks

Otis Redding - Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay

The Bangles - Walk Like An Egyptian

Air - Alpha Beta Gaga

Peter Gabriel - Games Without Frontiers

The Black Keys - Tighten Up

Paul Simon - Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard

The Fratellis - Whistle For The Choir

Scorpions - Wind Of Change