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On Demand

The Brian Lehrer Show

Wednesday, November 19, 2008
  • bubble

    Bubble Bubble Toil and Trouble

    Unemployment during the Great Depression was 25%. So, just how does the current economic crisis stack up against history's other bubble-bursting periods? Plus, Cornel West on how to turn post-election euphoria into momentum for change. And the latest on Hillary Clinton as possible Secretary of State.

Staffing Up

Jerry Seib, Assistant Managing Editor of the Wall Street Journal, discusses the progress of the Obama transition and cabinet appointments.

Your comments on Hillary Clinton for Sec. of State

Construction Costs

WNYC reporters Matthew Schuerman and Cindy Rodriguez talk about their recent investigation into building related deaths in NYC. Also Aaron Brashear, Chair of Brooklyn Community Board 7's Buildings & Construction Committee, on safety issues and oversight at construction sites.

How you can help investigate building safety in your neighborhood.
The DOB has an online database of building permits. Here's how you can look up whether a construction site is properly permited:
1) Go to this website.
2) In the first field, enter the address of the building you want to look up.
3) Scroll down and click on "Jobs/Filings." This is where you will find open permits for the building.
4) Search through the permits - they are listed chronologically - and check for the relevant permit, such as scaffolding or installations. You can click on the permit number itself to get more details.

If you notice a missing permit or discrepancy, dial 311 to report it, and you can post your finding to the comments page below, which the WNYC newsroom will be checking regularly.

The Full "Cost of Doing Business" Investigation

The Hood

Kesha Young, NYC Neighborhood Story Project Manager and editor of From Kingsbridge to Canarsie: Reflections by 8 NYC Girls, talks about working with the eight young authors of the book. Urban Academy High School students Noelle Tannen and Jennifer Arzu, whose work was included in the book, talk about what it was like to write about their neighborhoods.

The History of Bubbles

Niall Ferguson, Laurence A. Tisch Professor of History at Harvard University, senior research fellow of Jesus College, Oxford University, a senior fellow of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and the author of The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World, places the current financial crisis in historical context.

Coming Down to Earth

Cornel West, Class of 1943 University Professor in the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University and author of Hope on a Tightrope: Words and Wisdom, explains how we should move beyond post-election euphoria and get to work on what really matters.

Albany Update

WNYC's Bob Hennelly on what went down in Albany at the special meeting of the New York State Legislature yesterday.

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.