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A view of Angola, the Louisiana State Penitentiary (inthelandofthefreefilm.com)
We’ll talk to Gary Rivlin about what’s been called the “poverty industry”— pawnbrokers, check chasers and pay day lenders—and how it’s expanding during this latest economic downturn. Then, Academy Award-winner Tilda Swinton and Luca Guadagnino discuss the film “I Am Love.” Also, director Vadim Jean on his film “In the Land of the Free,” about three probably innocent men who have spent a half-century in solitary confinement at the Angola State Prison. Plus, word maven Patricia T. O’Conner takes your calls on our confounding language.
Gary Rivlin on How the Working Poor Became Big Business
Gary Rivlin describes how the flourishing poverty industry is taking advantage of deregulation to devise high-priced products to sell to the credit-hungry working poor, including the instant tax refund and the payday loan.
Tilda Swinton and Luca Guadagnino’s “I Am Love”
Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton and Luca Guadagnino discuss the film "I Am Love," written, co-produced, and directed by Guadagnino and starring and co-produced by Tilda Swinton.
Vadim Jean’s “In the Land of the Free”
Vadim Jean, director of "In the Land of the Free," along with Robert King , discuss the Angola 3—Herman Wallace, Albert Woodfox and Robert King—who’ve spent a combined century in solitary confinement in Angola, the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
Word Maven Patricia T. O’Conner
Our word maven, Patricia T. O'Conner, answers questions about the English language and grammar. An updated and expanded third edition of her book Woe is I has recently been published. Call us at 212-433-9692 or leave us a question.
Leonard's Questions: Luca Guadagnino
Where would Luca Guadagnino spend his last day on earth? Read more to find out!
Guest Picks: Tilda Swinton
Tilda Swinton came on The Leonard Lopate Show to talk about some of her favorite picks!
Bad Sign Language
Ever see a sign that makes no sense, is spelled improperly, haphazardly punctuated, or is completely lacking grammar? Our Word Maven Patricia T. O'Conner will choose her favorite listener-submitted photos to discuss on the air.
Submit your photo(s) by July 16th to be considered.
Need some inspiration to get started? Check out the slideshow below.
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