Afghan Elections

An Afghan youth rides his bike, passing by an election billboard that asks the people to vote, in Kabul, Afghanistan on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009. (AP)

Listen
Fraud investigators have thrown out hundreds of thousands of ballots from Afghanistan’s disputed presidential election in August — setting the stage for a runoff between Hamid Karzai and his top challenger. The news comes as the Obama Administration signals it won’t send any more military forces to Afghanistan until the election is settled. The BBC’s Adam Mynott joins us from London.

Farmer Soldiers

Listen
The Army National Guard has searched its ranks for soldiers who are also farmers. They are experts in irrigation, animal husbandry, or general agriculture, and they are dispatched to the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan to help farmers there build up their livelihoods. Independent journalist Doug Wissing embedded with the Indiana National Guard’s 1-19th Agribusiness Development Team and brings us the stories of soldiers trying to spread American goodwill and know-how in Afghanistan.

High School Breathalyzer

Listen
The school committee in Foxborough, Massachusetts will vote on a plan that will allow school administrators to use breath analysis to detect student drinking, both during school hours and at extra-curricular events. Jeffrey Theodoss, principal at Foxborough High School, explains why the school needs it.

Group Health

Listen
We speak with Kenneth Thorpe, professor at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University about a new medical model being pioneered in states like Vermont and North Carolina. The approach is called a “medical home,” it’s not a physical building, but it’s the idea that a patient’s medical records and care are all coordinated through one primary care physician, who then manages a team of professionals that follow up with the patient and monitor his or her progress.

The New Portuguese Cuisine

Listen
Though Portugal was once a major global power, today its cuisine isn’t as well known as Italian or Spanish fare. Food writer David Leite wants to change that. In his new cookbook “The New Portuguese Table: Exciting Flavors from Europe’s West Coast”, David shows how classic Portuguese recipes have been updated and changed by flavors from around the world. Here and Now’s resident chef Kathy Gunst talks to David about the book, and about his own Portuguese roots in Fall River Massachusetts.

• David Leite’s Recipes for White Gazpacho and Black Olive Risotto

Music from the show

• Beth Orton, “She Cries Your Name”
• RJD2, “Someone’s Second Kiss”
• John Hiatt, “Blue Telescope”
• Pedro Ayres Magalhães,  “Allegro”