The Brian Lehrer Show

Don't Call It a Hobby

Friday, May 09, 2008

Circuit Bending is more than making noise with plastic toys-- it’s serious business. The founder of casper electronics has created electronic circuit-bent instruments for the likes of Danny Elfman of Oingo Boingo, and rapper Rahzel of the Roots. Plus: McCain’s foreign policy adviser on autocratic rule; Staten Island Representative Vito Fossella's political future; keeping families in touch via Facebook; and follow-up segments on gentrification in public schools, the vanishing neighborhood supermarket, and spiraling food prices -- how much is pure speculation?

Listen to the whole show

McCain's Man

Robert Kagan, a chief foreign policy adviser to John McCain, shares his thoughts on the current election and his latest book, The Return of History and the End of Dreams.

If you can't see the video click here

Follow Up Friday: Commodities Speculation

A commenter on our website chided us for not exploring the connection between speculation in the commodities market and the world-wide food crisis. We follow up and explore this under-the-radar factor with James Galbraith, Professor of Government at the University of Texas.

Further Reading: Speculators and Soaring Food Prices

Fossella's Future

Staten Island Representative Vito Fossella (R) is immersed in personal scandal. What will this mean for the political future of his district? Baruch College Professor Doug Muzzio provides analysis.

K.I.T <3 M.O.M

With their families scattered across the country, moms are turning to Facebook, txt messages, and other social networking technologies to keep in touch with the kids. Michelle Slatalla writes the column Cyberfamilias for the New York Times, and explains what's changing in the tech-savvy family.

Live Wires

Pete Edwards, founder of casper electronics, explains the art of circuit bending: taking instruments and re-purposing them to make new, innovative sounds.

Follow-Up Friday: Where the Grocery Stores Aren't

Linda Gibbs, New York City's deputy mayor of health and human services, and José Serrano, New York State Senator (D, 28th district), talk about why so many supermarkets seem to be closing. Then, John Catsimatidis, the CEO of the Red Apple Group and Gristedes Foods, weighs in.

Read Answers to Our Question: What's Replacing Your Grocery Store?

FUF: Educated Perspective

We follow up on a segment earlier this week about the role of middle-income parents in helping their local public schools. Eva Moskowitz, a former City Council member, founder of the Harlem Success Academy, and mother of public-school kids, gives us her take.