It's The Little Things

Thursday, January 29, 2009

From thinner plastic bags at bodegas to more free cabs (because everyone is riding the bus), the uncommon economic indicators are all around us. Today the Brian Lehrer Show launches its brand new project to get your stories of how the economic downturn is affecting your day-to-day life. Plus, the Obama justice department is now in the position of defending former Bush official John Yoo in a terror case. How will they balance the tricky situation?

Check Out the Uncommon Economic Indicators Home Page and Add Your Story!

Future Terror

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Frances Townsend, former Homeland Security Advisor under President George W. Bush, discusses the future of counterterrorism and gives her advice for the Obama Administration on protecting the homeland. Plus, enrollment is up at community colleges.

Once a Planet

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

When planets were officially defined, Pluto was left out in the cold. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, writes about his role in downgrading the 9th planet and the ensuing controversy in his new book The Pluto Files. Also, imagining a future without the Times; playwright and director Young Jean Lee; and working to end malaria.

WNYC and ProPublica are investigating the economic stimulus plan and you can, too!

Harping on TARP

Monday, January 26, 2009

The second round of the Troubled Asset Relief Program is in the pipeline, and many questions still abound about where the money is going and who’s watching it. And, Mexican Consul General Ambassador Rubén Beltrán on how the drug war in his country is affecting US-Mexican relations. Plus, is it a happy Chinese New Year?

Basic Instinct

Friday, January 23, 2009

Denis Dutton, author of the new book The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution and founder and editor of Arts & Letters Daily, argues that taste in art is more about natural selection than social construction. Plus, a follow up discussion on why Proposition 8 passed.

Eating Well

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Mark Bittman writes in his new book Food Matters that eating for a healthy planet also leads to greater personal health. Additionally, MTA chief Elliot Sander returns to talk about the future of transit in NYC; and the violence just across the Mexican border.

Plus: Your Top-Five List of What Obama Can Do For NYC

President Obama

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

In his inaugural address, Barack Obama acknowledged that he is working "amidst gathering clouds and raging storms." NPR's Juan Williams looks back at inauguration day and what to expect on day one and beyond from the 44th President. Plus, how close did Slate's online hive come to previewing the inaugural address?

Inauguration Day

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Inauguration Day. Millions have come to DC to celebrate the swearing in of Barack Obama, while at the same time the country suffers from economic and international crises not seen in a generation. We take the temperature of the moment as we count down to the ceremony. Special coverage begins at 9:00am on FM.

King Day meets Inauguration Day

Monday, January 19, 2009

Martin Luther King Day takes on special meaning when it’s also the eve of the inauguration of America’s first African American President. WNYC reporters in Washington and speechwriter Michael Cohen look at the overlapping of history and current events. Also, excerpts from Sunday’s MLK event, “A Journey of Hope: From Protest to Presidency.”

Speaking of Faith

Friday, January 16, 2009

The controversy over pastor Rick Warren’s role in the inauguration is now paired with the news that an openly gay bishop will give the invocation. Eboo Patel, founder of the Interfaith Youth Core, discusses the role of religion in the Obama administration, next Tuesday and beyond. Plus, who pays for all the inauguration festivities? And: why teasing may not be so bad.

Cog in the Wheel

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Executive director and CEO of the MTA, Elliot Sander, explains how the MTA runs and reports back from last night’s first public hearing on the looming fare hike and service cuts. Plus, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney on the possibility of becoming the next US Senator from New York.

Diplomacy in the Middle East

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

In her confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state, Sen. Hillary Clinton said the U.S. should not give up the quest for peace in the Middle East. Former ambassador to Israel and advisor to President Clinton, Martin Indyk offers his views of what past presidents have done right, and wrong, in the region. Also, William Least Heat-Moon hits the road again.

Benefit Deficit

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

50,000 New Yorkers will see their unemployment benefits expire at the end of this week, and may have to go on welfare. Andrew Stettner, deputy director of the National Employment Law Project, looks at how the state is trying to help those struggling to find jobs. Plus, Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY) one of the candidates being considered for the NY Senate seat.

Risky Business

Monday, January 12, 2009

Steven Faris, author of Forecast: The Consequences of Climate Change, from the Amazon to the Arctic, from Darfur to Napa Valley, talks about the geopolitical ramifications of global warming. Plus, the top ten political risks of 2009; and Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi discusses the possibility of being named the next US Senator from New York.

Broadway and Beyond

Friday, January 09, 2009

The spate of Broadway show closings raises concerns about the economy’s effects on the theater industry. Playbill’s Robert Viagas and Sandra Gibson, president and CEO of Arts Presenters, look at the state of the theater, on Broadway and beyond. Plus, Congressman Jerrold Nadler; Hyundai’s new ad campaign, Tavis Smiley looks ahead to the inauguration; and real estate woes.

Underground

Thursday, January 08, 2009

In the first of his regular Thursday appearances. MTA chief Elliot Sander discusses fare hikes, service cuts, and how to save our subway system. And, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe on the perils of artificial turf. Plus, how are NYC’s retailers performing, and what’s the effect on workers?

For Safekeeping

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Dr. Farzad Mostashari, assistant commissioner of the New York City Health Department’s Primary Care Information Project Bureau, talks about the city’s push toward electronic medical records. Plus, Douglas Lasdon, executive director of the Urban Justice Center, and Harlem Assemblyman Keith Wright respond to Governor Paterson's proposal to increase the monthly welfare grant for the first time in two decades.

Letting Go

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Violent crime continues to drop, but a new study reveals among young, black men, murders involving guns are actually increasing. James Alan Fox, Professor of Law, Policy and Society at Northeastern University, discusses his findings. Plus, New York Times writer Lisa Belkin, looks at Caroline Kennedy’s Senate bid through the lens of mothers re-entering the workforce, and Matt Miller , author of The Tyranny of Dead Ideas: Letting Go of the Old Ways of Thinking to Unleash a New Prosperity, on why Americans should let go of some long-held economic assumptions.

Muddling Through

Monday, January 05, 2009

Farhad Manjoo, technology columnist at Slate, gives tips on where to find the best frugality Web sites to help you scrimp your way through the recession. Plus, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke on national politics and how the economy is affecting her Brooklyn district.

MTA CEO Elliot Sander will join the Brian Lehrer Show every Thursday in January. Post your questions for him here!

Looking for a Silver Lining

Friday, January 02, 2009

Nick Nigro, author of No Job? No Prob!: How to Pay Your Bills, Feed Your Mind, and Have a Blast When You're Out of Work, offers reasons to be optimistic while unemployed. Plus, health insurance for one, a look at literacy, and a WNYC investigation of building safety at construction sites in New York City.

Favorite Things

Thursday, January 01, 2009

A special rebroadcast of the full 10 a.m. hour the morning after election day with special guests Jon Meacham, Sheryll Cashin, Andrea Bernstein, Jonathan Capehart, and Mark Blumenthal. Plus, saying goodbye to Yankee and Shea Stadiums, the year in scandals, and the Brian Lehrer Show producers' favorite listener calls.