WNYC's Brian Lehrer Show

Gitmo No Mo' (The Brian Lehrer Show: Friday, 21 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:07 GMT

Five prisoners were released from Guantanamo yesterday, and Barack Obama has pledged to close the prison. Daphne Eviatar, legal correspondent for the Washington Independent, looks at the future of detention policy when it comes to terror suspects.

Bailout Plan: Gas Price Floor (The Brian Lehrer Show: Friday, 21 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:03 GMT

Daniel Sperling,director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis, talks about his proposal to bail out the auto industry by implementing a $3.50 price floor on gas.

A Man Cured of AIDS (The Brian Lehrer Show: Friday, 21 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:15 GMT

A man in Germany was unexpectedly cured of AIDS. Nobel Prize winning biologist Dr. David Baltimore explains how it happened and what it means in the search for a cure.

Back to the '70s (The Brian Lehrer Show: Friday, 21 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:26 GMT

Julia Vitullo-Martin, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and director of the Center for Rethinking Development, talks about what does happen if New York makes a return to the 1970s.

Open Phones: Freelance Security (The Brian Lehrer Show: Friday, 21 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:11 GMT

As the economy takes a down-turn, more and more full-time employees are being fired; and more and more companies are relying on temporary staffing.

So, do freelancers feel more secure than people with full-time jobs? Comment below!

The Con Chemical (The Brian Lehrer Show: Friday, 21 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:11 GMT

Ever been a victim of a con? Don't feel bad. Research shows that the same brain chemical that makes us vulnerable to being scammed is also behind trust and family bonds. Dr. Paul Zak, Professor of Economics and the founding Director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University, explains.

Empty MTA? (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 20 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:47 GMT

Pete Donohue, transit reporter for the New York Daily News checks in from the MTA news conference on possible major fare increases and service cuts.

Aid for Detroit Stalled (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 20 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:41 GMT

Auto execs are on Capitol Hill this week trying to drum up support for a bailout package, but things are not looking good. Newsweek Midwest Bureau Chief Keith Naughton gives us the latest update.

Con Game (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 20 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:46 GMT

Peter Coy, economics editor at Business Week, looks at the role of consumer confidence in driving the economy.

This I Don't Believe (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 20 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:47 GMT

Atheism may be morphing from a personal issue to a political one. Annie Laurie Gaylor, Co-President of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and Ken Bronstein, President of New York City Atheists, take a look at the nonbeliever movement.

University Blues (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 20 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:41 GMT

Michael Dannenberg, Senior Fellow in the Education Policy Program at the New America Foundation and founder of the HigherEdWatch Blog ; and Catharine Bond Hill, president of Vassar College, talk about how institutions are handling the economic crisis.

Dubai Gold Rush (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 20 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:41 GMT

Young Americans are fleeing to the Middle Eastern city state to escape the financial crisis. But signs are that even this thriving metropolis may face economic challenges. New York Magazine writer Daniel B. Smith explains.

MTA: Less for More (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 20 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:41 GMT

New York Daily News transit reporter Pete Donohue again on the fare increase announcement at the MTA budget meeting. Plus, transit expert Robert "Buzz" Paaswell, director of the University Transportation Research Center at City College, on the broader implications for transit workers and riders.

Staffing Up (The Brian Lehrer Show: Wednesday, 19 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:10 GMT

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

Construction Costs (The Brian Lehrer Show: Wednesday, 19 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:27 GMT

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 Hood (The Brian Lehrer Show: Wednesday, 19 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:38 GMT

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 (The Brian Lehrer Show: Wednesday, 19 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:00 GMT

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 (The Brian Lehrer Show: Wednesday, 19 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:00 GMT

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 (The Brian Lehrer Show: Wednesday, 19 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:50 GMT

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

Question Of The Day: Hillary as Secretary of State? (The Brian Lehrer Show: Tuesday, 18 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:01 GMT

Tell us what you think: Do you want to see Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State? Comment below!

Dealer No Deal (The Brian Lehrer Show: Tuesday, 18 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:27 GMT

Mark Schienberg, President of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, on how local dealerships are reacting to the economic climate and the possibility of an automaker bailout package from Washington.

Greening the Fleet (The Brian Lehrer Show: Tuesday, 18 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:01 GMT

David Yassky, City Council Member from the 33rd District in Brooklyn, joins us in studio to talk about the Bloomberg Administration's latest effort to make NYC taxis fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

FSBO A Go Go (The Brian Lehrer Show: Tuesday, 18 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:50 GMT

In this buyers' market, does it make sense to try to sell your own home? We'll speak with two Brooklynites who are doing For Sale By Owner, or FSBO--and weigh the pros and cons of doing away with a broker.

Copyright Wars (The Brian Lehrer Show: Tuesday, 18 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:47 GMT

Lawrence Lessig, Stanford Law Professor and author of Remix: Making Art and Commerce Thrive in the Hybrid Economy, argues that copyright laws are criminalizing artists and youth and are strangling creativity. He also discusses his effort to use the net roots community to change Congress.

A Twittering Headache for Motrin (The Brian Lehrer Show: Tuesday, 18 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:47 GMT

Over the course of an afternoon, Motrin's latest ad campaign was undone by tech-savvy mothers using twitter who were offended by the ad's tone. Virginia Heffernan, The Medium columnist for The New York Times Magazine, explains how new technology is changing the way consumers and companies interact.

The EU View (The Brian Lehrer Show: Tuesday, 18 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:47 GMT

Joschka Fischer, former German foreign minister, offers a European perspective on the Obama administration and the state of the EU economy.

Best Laid Plans (The Brian Lehrer Show: Monday, 17 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:28 GMT

Bruce Reed, president of the Democratic Leadership Council, Bill Clinton's former domestic policy adviser, and co-author (with Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel) of The Plan, looks at the Obama administration's moves thus far.

Auto Aid (The Brian Lehrer Show: Monday, 17 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:44 GMT

A bailout for Detroit--who's for it, who's against it, and why? Rebecca Lindland, Director of the Auto Group at consulting firm IHS Global Insight, will help us understand the arguments on both sides.

City Swindlers (The Brian Lehrer Show: Monday, 17 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:47 GMT

As unemployment goes up, so do job scams. Jonathan Mintz, commissioner for the Department of Consumer Affairs, explains how to spot predatory employment agencies.

Fab Cab Follow Up: Michael Pollan (The Brian Lehrer Show: Monday, 17 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:39 GMT

Food writer Michael Pollan got numerous mentions for Agriculture Secretary in the BL Show Fab-Cab nomination process. He discusses what food policy he'd like to see under the Obama administration.

A Hate Crime on Long Island (The Brian Lehrer Show: Monday, 17 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:26 GMT

Seven teenagers have been indicted in the stabbing death of an Ecuadorean immigrant in Patchogue last week. The murder has led to renewed calls for reconciliation between Long Island natives and Latin American immigrants. Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri and Ricardo Montano, a Suffolk County Legislator, join us to discuss the crime and its implications.

RFK Bridge (The Brian Lehrer Show: Monday, 17 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:54 GMT

Kerry Kennedy, founder of the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights and author of Being Catholic Now, on the renaming of the Triborough Bridge for her father.

Question of the Day: What local landmark would you rename and for whom?

Transition Team (The Brian Lehrer Show: Friday, 14 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:09 GMT

AP reporter Nedra Pickler discusses the latest news in Obama's transition team, and how an Obama press conference is different from a Bush one.

Our Urban President (The Brian Lehrer Show: Friday, 14 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:36 GMT

Barack Obama won big November 4th with the support of urban centers across the nation. Now that he's been elected president, what can cities expect from his urban policy? Esther Fuchs, professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), looks at what to expect.

Try to Forget (The Brian Lehrer Show: Friday, 14 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:23 GMT

Would you want a perfect memory? It may be more important to learn how to forget. To discuss the importance of forgetting is Jill Price, author of The Woman Who Can't Forget, and Dr. Gayatri Devi, clinical associate professor of neurology and psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine.

Do Higher Taxes Make People Leave? (The Brian Lehrer Show: Friday, 14 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:20 GMT

In his budget address on Tuesday Governor Paterson said he'd rather cut services than raise taxes, because higher taxes cause population declines. It's a controversial assertion. James Parrott, Deputy Director and Chief Economist of the Fiscal Policy Institute and Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City will debate the issue.

Let us know: If your taxes went up, would you leave New York State?

Should You Bribe Your Kid? (The Brian Lehrer Show: Friday, 14 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:35 GMT

Lisa Belkin, New York Times Columnist who writes The Motherlode, talks about why she pays her kids to be good.

Let Us Know: Do you pay your child for good behavior or good grades? And if not, why not?

FUF: Grid Computing and Election '08 Lives On (The Brian Lehrer Show: Friday, 14 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:28 GMT

Follow Up Friday looks at what your computer can accomplish while it's resting with John Abell, NY Bureau chief for Wired; and an update with Jonathan Allen of CQPolitics on what Alaska, Minnesota, and Georgia have yet to accomplish: picking their next Senator.

What's Next for Congress? (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 13 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:12 GMT

U.S. Congressman Scott Garrett (R-NJ, 5th district), will talk about how the new administration and a larger Democratic majority will change things for Congress.

Bubble-iscious (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 13 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:04 GMT

James Grant, founder and editor of Grant's Interest Rate Observer and the author of Mr. Market Miscalculates: The Bubble Years and Beyond, offers his insight into what went wrong with the economy and how to fix it.

Booting Up (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 13 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:06 GMT

Does your computer take FOREVER to boot up? CruchGear Editor John Biggs joins us to explain why it takes so long and how manufacturers are trying to speed up the process. Let us know: What do you do while you're waiting for your computer to boot up?
Comment below!

Chief of Technology (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 13 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:13 GMT

Andrew Rasiej, founder of Personal Democracy Forum, talks about the potential presidential cabinet position of Chief Technology Officer. Who's in your fantasy cabinet? Visit our Fab Cab page and let us know.

Losing News (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 13 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:21 GMT

New Jersey's largest newspaper, the Newark Star Ledger, has been decimated by staff cuts, leaving locals worried that they are losing an important watchdog on the powerful. Michael Aron, Senior Political Correspondent and News Director at NJN, will look at the impact of the cuts.
New Jerseyans: Tell us where you get your news.

Boom Town (The Brian Lehrer Show: Thursday, 13 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:14 GMT

The City Council is expected to approve the redevelopment of Willets Point today. Carlos Canal, owner of Flushing Towing, explains why he sold his property, while Jake Bono of Bono Sawdust Supply opposes the plan.

Then, WNYC's Matthew Shuerman on why the city is moving ahead with the project and the status of Atlantic Yards and other developments.

Bear of an Issue (The Brian Lehrer Show: Wednesday, 12 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:04 GMT

Katrina Vanden Heuvel, editor and publisher of The Nation who writes regularly at TheNation.com, talks about progressives’ hopes for an Obama administration and about policy toward Russia.

Remember the Elephant (The Brian Lehrer Show: Wednesday, 12 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:53 GMT

Douglas Holtz-Eakin, chief adviser to John McCain's '08 campaign, assesses the current economic situation, looks back at the Presidential race, and predicts the future of the GOP.

Paulson Speaks (The Brian Lehrer Show: Wednesday, 12 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:40 GMT

Live coverage of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's remarks on the financial bailout plan with analysis by Daniel Gross, senior editor of Newsweek and Slate columnist.

What do you think: How is Paulson managing the distribution of the $700 billion package? Comment below!

Jihadists and the President-Elect (The Brian Lehrer Show: Wednesday, 12 November 2008)

listenerservices@wnyc.org (WNYC, New York Public Radio) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:17 GMT

Fawaz Gerges, professor in Middle East and International Affairs at Sarah Lawrence College and the author of Journey of the Jihadist: Inside Muslim Militancy, talks about how the election of Barack Obama affects the jihadist movement.