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The Brian Lehrer Show

Tuesday, December 02, 2008
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    It's Official

    December 2, 2008
    We're officially in a recession and the holiday shopping season is underway. Hear why economist Benjamin Barber argues that hyper-consumerism led to the current financial crisis and that restoring faith in democracy is the way out of economic ruin. Plus, Alex Kuczynski on having a child through a surrogate and Michael Kinsley on creative capitalism.

The Dark Side of Black Friday

Benjamin Barber, distinguished senior fellow at the New York think tank Demos and author of Consumed: How Markets Corrupt Children, Infantilize Adults, and Swallow Citizens Whole (Norton, 2007) discusses hyper-consumerism and the need to return to basic civic values.

Suite Deal

WNYC reporter Matthew Schuerman updates the story of Bloomberg aides demanding free luxury suites and other perks at the new Yankee Stadium.

NY Daily News Story with Email Excerpts

Baby Blues

Alex Kuczynski, New York Times style writer and the author of Beauty Junkies: Inside Our $15 Billion Obsession with Cosmetic Surgery (Doubleday, 2006), talks about her recent NYT Magazine article "Her Body, My Baby" and her experience having a child through a surrogate.

Junior Senator

Glenn Thrush, senior Congressional correspondent for Politico.com, talks about potential replacements for Hillary Clinton in the Senate, once she's confirmed as Secretary of State.

Question of the Day: Who would you like to see replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate?

Creative Capital

Michael Kinsley, columnist for Time Magazine, discusses his new book Creative Capitalism: A Conversation with Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Other Economic Leaders (Simon & Schuster, 2008).

A recent Washington Post column, "Let the Guy Smoke"

Reading is Fundamental

Erin Bauer, English and literacy educator, advisor, and senior advisor for graduation at the High School for Global Citizenship in Brooklyn and Dolores Perin, associate professor of Psychology and Education at Columbia University's Teachers College, talk about the issues raised in yesterday’s Radio Rookies piece.

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.