On Demand
The Brian Lehrer Show
-
(joshbousel/flickr)Fare Play
The MTA is now officially considering an increase in subway fares, as well as bridge and tunnel tolls. MTA head Lee Sander explains why. Also, we ask you to go out and count the number of SUVs parked on your block, compared to the number of cars. We get Wired Magazine’s Jeff Howe to explain this experiment in “crowdsourcing.” Also, is Apu a racist character in the Simpsons?
Fare Play
Lee Sander, CEO and Executive Director of the MTA, explains the planned subway fare and toll hike in the face of a budget surplus.

How Many SUVs Are on Your block?
We want you to go outside and count the number of SUVs on your block, as well as the number of regular cars. This is our experiment in “crowdsourcing,” where we employ you, the listener, in an act of journalism. We’re trying to find out just how much gas-guzzling SUV use there is throughout the New York area, with all the talk of environmental sustainability in the city. We’re giving you until next Thursday to do the counting, but please, just count the cars once. Most trucks and minivans are not SUVs, so we're trusting your judgment. Also, please count the cars on both sides of the block (i.e. the section of your street between intersecting roads).
Post your results in the comment section below and we’ll analyze the results Thursday, August 2. The count ends at 1 pm Wednesday, Aug 1st!
Wired Magazine writer Jeff Howe explains the idea on the air.
Please post 1) your neighborhood, 2) your block (street and cross street) 3) the number of SUVs parked 4) the total number of cars parked
NOTE: While we ordinarily encourage comments of any kind, we would like to keep this page limited to the findings about SUVs. We will take other comments when we discuss this next week. Thanks!
Jeff Howe's original article on Crowdsourcing
Jeff Howe's Crowdsourcing blog
View the results of our SUV count on our Google Map
Gonzales Under Fire
More trouble for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate magazine, joins us to talk about possible perjury charges against him and what this means for his office.
The Spitzer Response
Press Secretary to Governor Eliot Spitzer, Christine Anderson, joins us to respond to the helicopter scandal.
July with Jen
Jen Chung, editor of Gothamist.com, answers your questions about what's going on around Gotham each week in July.
Et Tu, Apu?
In a promotion for The Simpsons Movie, opening tomorrow, 7-Elevens have been transformed into the show's Kwik-E-Mart convenience stores run by the Indian-American character Apu. But some find the character offensive. Manish Vij, author of the blog Ultrabrown, explains why.
- About the Brian Lehrer Show »
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Tapes and Transcripts »
- Latest Episode »
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
YOU PRODUCE The Brian Lehrer Show
Be a listener-producer with facts, questions and people you'd like to hear on the air.
More
The Brian Lehrer Show Scrapbook
Visit the scrapbook for daily photos and miscellany from The Brian Lehrer Show.
More
Shop at Amazon!
The Brian Lehrer Show picks
Start your Amazon shopping on WNYC.org and a portion of your total purchase goes to WNYC.
More
30 Issues in 30 Days
The Brian Lehrer Show
Once again, 30 Issues in 30 Days is taking on the election season by going beyond the horse race and examining the real issues that are at stake for the people of New York and New Jersey in the Mayoral and Gubernatorial contest. See the schedule and help craft the segments at the 30 Issues Wiki!
Michael Moore on Brian's 20th Anniversary
The Brian Lehrer Show
Live from the Greene Space: Michael Moore talks about his new documentary, Capitalism: A Love Story and Brian celebrates the 20 year anniversary of The Brian Lehrer Show.
Uncommon Indicators
The Brian Lehrer Show
The Brian Lehrer Show wants to hear how the economy is affecting the little things in your daily life. Share your stories and photos of the downturn.
Help us map abandoned lots, stalled construction and unsold condos.
Digesting Politics
Brian, Bob, and Andrea
WNYC's political team of Brian Lehrer, Bob Hennelly, and Andrea Bernstein talk politics and more over lunch each week. Hear the latest episode and subscribe to the podcast here!
Video Picks
The Brian Lehrer Show
Check out some recent video clips of interviews with guests and Brian Lehrer's weekly Web video picks.
