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Let’s write about sex

June 20, 2013 by Susan Misicka

Recognize it? This imaginative model of female genitalia was made by a Swiss sex educator. She prefers this style to the clinical-looking plastic ones. © swissinfo.ch

Recognize it? This imaginative model of female genitalia was made by a Swiss sex educator. She prefers this style to the clinical-looking plastic ones. © swissinfo.ch

When I suggested doing a special on sex education in Switzerland, I never imagined the creativity it could involve. And I never thought that such a whimsical rendition of female genitalia (in my favorite colors, even!) would be the lead image on swissinfo.ch for 24 hours.

For the article, part of my research included observing a secondary school lesson in Basel on AIDS prevention. The kids, aged 13-15, were friendly as well as funny. Their regular teacher had invited an external man-woman team to lead a 90-minute session. Too short! The kids clearly had a lot more questions about sex in general; what’s unclear is how they’ll find the answers. You can read my article here: In terms of sex ed, schools do their own thing

Meanwhile, my coworker made a video about the teacher in Bern who sews the plush models: Teacher makes her own sex educational models

Posted in Health | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment »

Fusion fashion: Transforming the philosophy of kimono-wearing

June 2, 2013 by Susan Misicka

Kazu Huggler enjoys working with bold prints. (© Susan Vogel-Misicka, swissinfo.ch)

Kazu Huggler enjoys working with bold prints.
(© Susan Vogel-Misicka, swissinfo.ch)

Asian-inspired fashions are now an international trend, but a Zurich designer has been combining Japanese aesthetics and European elegance for years.

Kazu Huggler doesn’t try to be trendy. Having studied Japanese art and aesthetics, the Japanese-Swiss designer is more interested in creating clothing that is both beautiful and practical.

“For me it’s not about long sleeves or a wrap dress; it’s about how to transform the philosophy of wearing a kimono,” Huggler says. Click here to read the whole story.

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Can a mega-alpine resort meet expectations?

May 28, 2013 by Susan Misicka

The Chedi Hotel, as it should look when finished. (© Andermatt Swiss Alps)

The Chedi Hotel, as it should look when finished.
(© Andermatt Swiss Alps)

Egyptian property developer and billionaire Samih Sawiris is confident his first venture in Europe, the Andermatt Swiss Alps resort, will be a success. But there are question marks. I recently visited Andermatt to see an extremely large work in progress.

Click here to read the whole story on swissinfo.ch. Once there, you can also read a related article or listen to a short interview I did with Sawiris at the construction site.

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Doing business in the developing world’s pharmacy

March 26, 2013 by Susan Misicka

This pharmacy manager in Mumbai told me that some customers request generics to save money.

This pharmacy manager in Mumbai told me that some customers request generics to save money.

I was in India recently doing research for swissinfo.ch. There I met a number of doctors, patients and drug industry experts who were able to give me a sense of how healthcare works in India — particularly when it comes to the affordability and availability of medicine.

The main story is here: Doing business in the developing world’s pharmacy

If you have extra time to kill or would rather listen than read, there’s a 14-minute audio feature: Examining healthcare in India

Another piece focuses on the 20-bed Suradeep Hospital, pictured below: ‘Medicine in India is definitely affordable’

This hospital in Mamallapuram treats a lot of tourists.

This hospital in Mamallapuram treats a lot of tourists.

Posted in Health | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Prison helps inmates prepare for the workforce

February 26, 2013 by Susan Misicka

In winter, Joseph keeps busy inside the prison's greenhouse. (© SVM, swissinfo)

In winter, Joseph keeps busy inside the prison’s greenhouse. (© SVM, swissinfo)

Earlier this month I visited a Swiss prison where the inmates are quite free to move about independently. Some even have permission to take the train to attend classes or vocational training in other towns. I was surprised at this freedom, and also by the cheerful and “normal” atmosphere at the prison, located in the Lucerne countryside.

You can read the whole story here on swissinfo.ch.

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