大象传媒

The US Senate is set to vote on a $1.1tn budget which includes the controversial repeal of bank controls drawn up in the wake of the financial crisis. We get the view from the US and ask why complex financial products like derivatives are up for discussion in a national budget bill? We also hear from our reporter in Italy where workers have been out on general strike. They have been protesting against the government's attempts to change the country's labour laws.

Also, it is tasty, nutritious and super-fashionable in the West, but the increasing popularity of quinoa is proving difficult to stomach in Bolivia - the 大象传媒's Katy Watson explains why. We find out about Rooney's Rule - and ask why a prominent black business leader is pushing to get an employment principle from the world of sports accepted in the world of business.

We also get musical and chat to the composer Phil Kline - he is the brains behind the Un Silent Night phenomenon in the US. We are joined through out the show by Colin Peacock from Radio New Zealand.