大象传媒

Tony Grant introduces reflection and unexpected stories from correspondents around the world. In this edition, Lesley Curwen ponders the risks of the USA's "eyewatering" government debt, while Chris Bockman visits a French hamlet which some sects see as a haven from coming apocalypse.

Walking the high wire

Could the world's wealthiest nation really be about to run out of cash? US President Barack Obama says the American government could default on its debts within weeks if it doesn't get permission from Congress to borrow more money.

Lesley Curwen, who's been following developments in Washington, says a default would have serious - and perhaps unforeseeable - consequences.

White tunics in the woods

The end of the world is on the way - and according to some estimates it might be upon us rather sooner than you might think. Some believers claim the Mayan astrological calendar predicts doom for the Earth in 2012. But there is a place, we learn, where you might just be spared.

Chris Bockman's been there to see if there's room for us all.