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The Leonard Lopate Show

Wednesday, June 08, 2005
  • Clifford Ross shooting (&copy 2005 Clifford Ross)
    Clifford Ross shooting (© 2005 Clifford Ross)

    Build Me Up

    Guest host Kenji Jasper explores the world of do-it-yourself home repair with Alvin and Lawrence Ubell, the self-appointed “Gurus of How-To.” Next, Paul Theroux tells us about his latest novel, Blinding Light. Then, Clifford Ross explores the boundaries of photography with a new collection of work: Wave Music. And Kevin Smokler, Tom Bissell, and Elizabeth Spiers challenge those that say literature is in decline, and argue instead that American writing can look forward to a bright future.

The Gurus of How-To

Al and Larry Ubell answer listener calls on home repair. Call 212-267-9692.

Music: Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads; “Mr. Fix-It” by Darlene Love and the White Heat Swing Orchestra

Blinding Light

Paul Theroux shares his latest novel, the story of a writer who feigns blindness and turns to an exotic drug to forward his career: Blinding Light.

Events:
Paul Theroux reading and book signing
Wednesday, June 8 at 7PM
Barnes & Noble at Union Square

Music: "Los Angeles Mood" and “New York Theme” from the “Night on Earth” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Music by Tom Waits; Island Records Inc.

Wave Music

Photographer Clifford Ross examines the relationship between art and philosophy with a new collection of photos taken in the sea: Wave Music.

» Slideshow of Clifford Ross and his photography
» Clifford Ross' website

Music: “Crash” from the “Crash,” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Music by Howard Shore; BMG Music,

Bookmark Now

Editor Kevin Smokler and writers Tom Bissell and Elizabeth Spiers tell us about Bookmark Now, a collection of works from emerging writers who are enthusiastic about the state of American literature—despite the ominous warnings about a declining readership.

» Excerpt of Bookmark Now in the Reading Room

Music: “Crhonic Fatique Syndrome” and “Skateboarding” from the “Mumford” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Music composed by James Newton Howard; Hollywood Records

Tributes: Jeanne-Claude

The Leonard Lopate Show

Jeanne-Claude created environmental works of art with her husband and fellow-conspirator/collaborator Christo. Together, they wrapped the Reichstag in Berlin, the Pont-Neuf in Paris, and created The Gates, with billowy orange drapes, in Central Park. Jeanne-Claude just died at the age of 74. You can hear Leonard Lopate’s last interview with them both, from July 19, 1999.

Let’s Go Swimming!

The Leonard Lopate Show

According to the Centers for Disease Control, bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms found in recreational water in the United States sicken thousands of people every year, and even result in deaths. We’ll speak with chemist and industrial hygienist Monona Rossol about the protozoa, amoebas and other things that love to go swimming with us. Monona is also founder and President of Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety.

Frank McCourt

The Leonard Lopate Show

Frank McCourt has been a guest many times on this show over the years, starting in 1996 for the memoir, Angela’s Ashes, that would earn him a Pulitzer Prize. Fame came to him late in life, after he’d retired at the age of 65 from teaching English and creative writing at public schools here in New York. He was a sweet, eloquent man who spoke with grace and humility; he just died at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer. You can hear him speaking with Leonard Lopate for his Survival Kit in 2000, and in 2005, for his memoir, Teacher Man.

Science and Faith

The Leonard Lopate Show

Earlier this week, Pres. Obama announced that he plans to nominate geneticist Dr. Francis Collins to lead the National Institutes of Health. You can listen to Leonard’s 2006 conversation with Dr. Collins about how he reconciles his personal faith with his professional scientific knowledge.

FDA to Regulate Tobacco?

The Leonard Lopate Show

May 14, 2009
Congress is getting ready to a vote on whether to make tobacco subject to FDA regulation. You can listen to a segment we did in May about the bill and what it would mean for the cigarette companies.

Our 3-ingredient Challenge wins a James Beard Award

The Leonard Lopate Show

On May 3, the Lopate Show won its third James Beard Award for our 3-ingredient challenge. In August, we asked our listeners to call in and name 3 ingredients and then challenged New York chef and 3-ingredient expert Rozanne Gold to whip up a recipe! You can listen to the 3-ingredient challenge and get some inspiration for simple, delicious, and unexpected dishes.

Leonard is on Facebook

Now Leonard is on Facebook! We’re posting photos, status updates, links to notable interviews, and lots more. Check it out.

Barack Obama, Circa 2004

The Leonard Lopate Show

Listen to President-Elect Barack Obama on the Leonard Lopate Show in November 2004. He had recently won a seat in the U.S. Senate, and only a few months before, his rousing speech during the 2004 Democratic National Convention catapulted him into the national spotlight.