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The Brian Lehrer Show

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
  • Billions of Green

    Governor Paterson’s new budget proposal looks to cut over one billion dollars in state expenses. Which programs are safe and which will lose out? Also, how to find what really works when it comes to alternative medicine. And – organic farms are all the rage among New Yorkers, but can they really be built on the sides of skyscrapers?

    Check out our contribution from the recent Slideluck Potshow, an event where folks share their love of food and photos! Last weekend, the Slideluck Potshow was held at McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg.

New York's Budget Quandary

Governor Paterson announced a budget plan that could dramatically cut funding for Medicaid spending and other state programs. Now the Legislature must decide which programs will make the cut. Assemblyman James Brennan (D-44) and Senator Charles Fuschillo (R-8), talk about the budget proposal.

All Aboard!

The number of people riding Amtrak is steadily increasing. But the surge in ridership is leading to overcrowding. Robert Paaswell, Director of the University Transportation Research Center at City College, discusses what's being done about the crowded trains.

Urban Farmers

Running your own small farm is no easy venture, especially for low-income families or recent immigrants. Kate Granger, the project director of the New Farmer Development Program, and Sergio Nolasco, owner of Nolasco’s Farm in New Jersey, offer a way to live the dream of becoming an urban farmer. Plus, Dickson Despommier, professor of Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University, talks about his revolutionary plan to turn agriculture on its head with his concept of the vertical farm.

See Renderings of Some Vertical Farming Ideas!
Find out more about the New Farmer Development Program

Trick or Treatment

Distinguishing between effective alternative medicine and pure quackery can be tough. Authors Simon Singh and Edzard Ernst of Trick or Treatment explain how the road to wellness is paved with science.

Diner Dash

John and Cindy McCain were in New Jersey yesterday, visiting a diner and holding a closed-door fundraiser; WNYC Senior Reporter Bob Hennelly talks about the visit.

Synch or Swim

It is now known that organizers used doctored graphics and had a young girl lip-synch during the Olympics opening ceremony. But how much of that can be explained by "cultural differences?" Jeff Yang, columnist at the San Francisco Chronicle weighs in on whether it's particularly Chinese to try and keep up appearances.

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.