The Brian Lehrer Show

Animal Minds

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

The latest research shows it’s not just chimps and dolphins that exhibit extraordinary intelligence. Virginia Morell is the author of this month’s National Geographic cover story on the animal mind. Plus, the countdown to the congestion pricing vote continues with Councilmember Lew Fidler, who opposes the plan. And: what's your favorite nickname for New York City?

Crowd Sourcing Project: Dig in and tell us what angels or devils you find in the details of the congestion pricing plan!

Listen to the whole show

Countering Congestion Pricing

Lewis Fidler, New York City Council member, (D-District 46, Brooklyn), voices his objections to the congestion pricing plan.

Councilman Fidler's webpage
Councilman Fidler's Alternative Plan

Open Phones: Congestion Pricing

Why do you drive into Manhattan and how would you change if the congestion pricing plan were in effect?

Do We Live in "Gotham City"?

City Council Member Hiram Monserrate tells us why he wants New York City to adopt "Gotham City" as the official nickname, and Mike Wallace, director of Gotham Center for New York City History, gives us the backstory on some of New York's best-known, and lesser-known, monikers. What do you think should be New York's official nickname? We'll open the phones to hear your favorite (and not-so-favorite) NYC monikers.

Gothamist: NYC to Officially Adopt "Gotham City" Title?
A list of New York City nicknames from The Names and Sobriquets of U.S. Cities and States, by Joseph Nathan Kane and Gerard L. Alexander.

(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joelogon/2278162133/" target="_blank">joelogon</a>/flickr)

Responding to Housing Like It's 1929?

Brian Lehrer and Amy Chozick, political reporter for the Wall Street Journal, listen to and compare extended excerpts from the three presidential candidates' responses to the housing crisis.

Tell us what you think: Should the government help homeowners facing foreclosure? If so, how?