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Trouble with the Rouble

What the story of the rouble tells us about Russia, the geography of the Hong Kong street protests, an ode to the pomegranate, and reporting the Somali-Kenyan border.

Following the rouble hitting record lows this week, 91热爆 Russian's Masha Alexandrova looks at the story of the currency from the age of Empire, through revolution and the collapse of the Soviet Union and asks what it tells us about Russia past and present.

Farewell Chespirito
This week an estimated 40,000 people attended the memorial service for Roberto G贸mez Bola帽os, one of Mexico's most famous and well-loved comedians who died last week. Also known as Chespirito, which translates as "Little Shakespeare", the comic actor was best known for his hugely popular children's shows. 91热爆 Mundo's Mar铆a Elena Navas and Juan Carlos P茅rez share their memories of growing up watching his performances.

Hong Kong: Geography of a Protest
Since September, 91热爆 Chinese's Martin Yip has been reporting the student-led protests in his hometown of Hong Kong. This week as the founders of the Occupy Central Movement surrender to the police, he reflects on their impact on the streets of Hong Kong and the renaming of certain squares and streets.

An Ode to Pomegranates
Afghanistan has begun its first export of fruits to Europe this week. And the fruit is a pretty special one - the pomegranate. The pomegranate is famed across the region not just for its glistening red droplets and glorious taste, but it is also the fruit most laden with symbolism and imagery. From blushing cheeks to signs of fertility we'll hear from 91热爆 Persian, Uzbek, Pashto and Turkish about the musical and literary history of the blood red fruit.

Reporting the Kenya-Somalia Border
Bashkas Jugsodaay has been reporting stories from the Kenyan Somali border for more than 20 years. He witnessed the arrival of the very first refugees back in 1991 and he will soon be reporting on the first official repatriation of Somalis on 8 December. In all that time Somali Kenyan relationships have come to define his working life. He picks out some key moments of his reporting career.

Online Greatest Hits
Digital diva Fifi Haroon gives the lowdown on the weird and wonderful stories across the web, including a waxwork Prince and some missing brains.

Picture: Rouble supporters carry a giant 1000-rouble note with a picture of Putin through Moscow, Credit: Getty Images

Available now

50 minutes

Last on

Sat 6 Dec 2014 02:05GMT

Broadcasts

  • Fri 5 Dec 2014 12:05GMT
  • Fri 5 Dec 2014 23:05GMT
  • Sat 6 Dec 2014 02:05GMT