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(Getty Images)Shifting Racial Attitudes
As the election looms near, the narrowing gap between Obama and McCain has some folks wondering if race is playing a bigger role in this presidential race than previously thought. We take a look at how shifting racial attitudes are playing out on the campaign trail. Plus: Get ready to stand. Seatless subway cars are coming to a rush hour near you.
The Color of Change
How have people's ideas about race changed the political landscape for the upcoming general election? NYT magazine contributing writer Matt Bai, Ronald Walters professor of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland, College Park, and John McWhorter, a senior fellow with the Manhattan Institute, talk about the shift.
"Is Obama the End of Black Politics?" NYT Magazine 8/6/2008
"ObamaKids" by John McWhorter, New York Magazine 8/10/2008
Obama's Racial Catch 22
"The race card" has been a large point of contention in the both the primaries and general elections. But is accusing someone of playing the card just as bad as 'playing it' yourself? Adam Serwer, writing fellow at the American Prospect, looks at the racial dimension of John McCain's criticisms of Barack Obama.
No Time to Think
Do you eat al desko? Did you know that it's killing your creativity? Free time to just think is invaluable. David Levy, professor at the Information School at the University of Washington, and Tony Buzan, inventor of Mind Maps, explain how to carve out time and to utilize your creative mind.
Seatless Subway Cars
The MTA plans to introduce "standing room only" subway cars in hopes of accommodating more riders during rush hour. Pete Donohue, transit reporter for The Daily News, discusses the details of the plan.
Heightened Surveillance
New York law enforcement has a few initiatives in the works that would keep closer tabs on vehicles in the city. The New York Times Police Bureau Chief Al Baker gives the details.
The Great Literacy Debate
Elizabeth Birr Moje, professor of Literacy, Language, and Culture in Educational Studies at the University of Michigan, and Sunil Iyengar, director of Research and Analysis at the National Endowment for the Arts discuss the new literacy issues presented by computers and the internet.
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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.
Just Launched! The Uncommon Economic Indicators Video Contest. All the details here!
The Rocky Road Ahead
The Brian Lehrer Show
Ray Young, the chief financial officer of General Motors, talks about GM’s bankruptcy.
Then, Damon Lester, president of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers, and Greg Williams, former owner of the recently closed Huntington Chevrolet in Huntington Station, NY., discusses the effect GM’s bankruptcy has had on dealerships and their employees.- Comments [40]
Tweet If You Use Twitter
The Brian Lehrer Show
Farhad Manjoo, Slate's technology columnist and the author of True Enough: Learning To Live in a Post-Fact Society talks about what Twitter means and how different groups use it.
What's your take on Twitter? How do you use it? Comment below!- Comments [15]
Don't Say That, Literally
The Brian Lehrer Show
John Flansburgh of the band They Might Be Giants discusses the running list the band keeps of "things we can no longer say." (a few examples: "my bad" "don't go there" "one hundred and ten percent" and "voted off the island")
What would be on your list of banned words or phrases? Comment below!- Comments [172]
From Denmark with Love
The Brian Lehrer Show
Jesper Grunwald, senior managing editor with the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, talks about the Danish economy, biking to work, and why the Danes are allegedly the happiest people in the world.
- Comments [22]
Squatting, Then and Now
The Brian Lehrer Show
As former squats in the East Village make the transition to coops, making homes from abandoned housing is again an issue. Andrew Reicher executive director of Urban Homesteading Assistance Board, Frank Morales an Episcopal priest involved in East Village/Lower East Side squatting and homelessness activism since the late '70s, and Rob Robinson, a leader of the Housing Campaign of Picture the Homeless, discuss the return of squatting.
- Comments [44]
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