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The Brian Lehrer Show

Thursday, May 15, 2008
  • Chinese Olympic Mascot (Fuwa) lanterns on display outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Kowloon, Hong Kong.
    Chinese Olympic Mascot (Fuwa) lanterns (tamaleaver/flickr)

    Strategy, Strategy, Strategy

    China prepares for the Olympics -- and the onslaught of foreign media. How will it handle the press? Also: we unpack some weak-dollar travel strategies in our latest installment of Unraveling Traveling. Plus, the government recognizes the polar bear as a threatened species, a new park in the Bronx, and political analysis with WNYC's Bob Hennelly and Andrea Bernstein.

Green In The Garden State

WNYC reporters Bob Hennelly and Andrea Bernstein discuss the week's developments in the presidential campaign, including John McCain's recent visit to New Jersey and John Edwards' endorsement of Barack Obama.

Unraveling Traveling: Play To Your Strengths

Wendy Perrin, consumer news editor at Condé Nast Traveler, joins us every Thursday this May as part of our month-long series on travel. Today's topic: weak-dollar travel strategies. French Riviera too expensive? Consider laying your towel on a Croatian beach!

Have any questions for Wendy? Comment below!

Travel was the #1 suggestion in our Word of Wisdom segment.

Read "Dollar Power" in Condé Nast Traveler
Read Wendy Perrin's blog

Olympic Mettle

As China prepares for the Olympics, it must also consider its approach to the foreign press. Minky Worden, media director at Human Rights Watch and editor of China's Great Leap, and Ian Buruma, journalist, author, and professor of Democracy, Human Rights & Journalism at Bard College, discuss China's changing media strategy and other issues surrounding the games.

Event
Ian Buruma and Minky Worden are participating in a panel tomorrow at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. Details can be found here.

A Polar-izing Issue

The polar bear is now listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act due to projections of melting sea ice at the pole. Is this a sign of a changing government position on global climate change? Andrew Wetzler, Director of the Endangered Species Project at the National Resources Defense Council, explains the significance.

It's My Park: Concrete Plant Park

In honor of the It's My Park! Day, a semi-annual Parks & Recreation Department event highlighting New Yorkers' local neighborhood parks, we'll take time in each the next five shows to appreciate a park in every borough. To start us off, Alexie Torres-Fleming, founder and executive director of Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, talks about the brand-new Concrete Plant Park in the South Bronx.

For more information about "It's My Park!" day at El Parque De Los Niños

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.