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October 2006
Spirited Conversations
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
A physics professor celebrates Halloween by using math and science to prove that ghosts and vampires can’t exist. Then, Garrison Keillor tells some behind-the-scenes stories from his film “A Prairie Home Companion.” And restaurateur Danny Meyer shares some of the secrets of his success. Later on, a true crime book revisits a famous murder that gripped 1840s New York. Plus, Alistair Horne talks about his 1977 groundbreaking history of the Algerian War.
Art Histories
Monday, October 30, 2006
Brice Marden talks about how his abstract paintings have evolved over the past 40 years. Then, we hear the true story of a chateau near Marseille that served as a safe house for intellectuals fleeing Nazis during WWII. Plus: Holocaust survivor Martin Gray joins us. And a new novel imagines the challenges a political dissident from China faces when he takes up a year-long artist’s residency in Los Angeles.
Love, Loss, and Polling
Friday, October 27, 2006
Nathan Lane and playwright Simon Gray tell us about their dark comedy Butley. And we ask how polls work, and what they really tell us about campaigns, on Please Explain.
Think Global, Act Local?
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Harry Shearer, the voice behind over a dozen characters on The Simpsons, shares his new satirical novel about a town that fakes its tribal status in order to open a casino. Then, we continue our election coverage on Underreported with a look at the state of grassroots activism in America. And a retrospective at Film Forum explores how documentaries can spur social change.
Studio, Screen, and Stage
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Ira Glass reflects on what makes his hit show This American Life so unique, and talks about how he hopes to bring those qualities to a new television series. Plus, Julius Rudel tells us about his much-publicized return to the conductor’s podium at the New York City Opera.
Rock, Roles, and Reviews
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Tim and Nina Zagat share the latest ratings and reviews from their 2007 New York City Restaurants guide. Then, Ellen Burstyn talks about acting, and how it has shaped her life. Plus, Sharon Osbourne reflects on extreme living—from marrying Ozzy Osbourne to battling colon cancer.
Tried and True
Monday, October 23, 2006
America’s Test Kitchen vows to “make all the mistakes, so you don’t have to.” Editorial director Jack Bishop explains the lengths his colleagues go to—from testing recipes dozens of times, to using the wrong ingredients—to make sure their recipes work. Plus, Peter Falk shares some behind the scenes stories from Columbo and his time on the set with John Cassavetes.
What Does it Mean to Be a Hero?
Friday, October 20, 2006
James Bradley’s father was one of the six flagraisers at Iwo Jima. He explains why his father didn’t consider himself a hero, despite being immortalized in one of the most famous images from WWII. Plus, two experts answer your questions about voting technology on Please Explain.
Celebrate with Tony Bennett
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco, but he brings his charm and enthusiasm to The Leonard Lopate Show for a conversation about his life as a singer and painter. Then, we continue our election coverage on Underreported, with a look at alternative voting technologies in developing democracies. Plus, we get an update on the trial of six foreign health professionals in Libya--who may face the death penalty.
The Roots of Change
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai explains how planting millions of trees has revitalized Kenya. And a political science professor argues that the red state / blue state divide can be explained by economics. Later on, we’ll find out how one largely forgotten man helped launch Time magazine. Then, a new documentary investigates what happened at Jonestown—the site of the largest mass suicide in modern history. And to start it all off, word maven Patricia T. O’Conner takes your calls.
Conflict and Conscription
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
The Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court tells us about her work to stop the conscription of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Then, two writers discuss the role women played in the Harlem Renaissance. And this week’s Backstory focuses on Ban Ki-Moon, the new Secretary General-elect of the United Nations. Plus, Dave Eggers and Valentino Achak Deng share their book about the conflict in Sudan.
Big Threat, Or Big Hype?
Monday, October 16, 2006
Former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter argues that the Bush Administration is hyping the nuclear threat in Iran. Then, Malika Oufkir talks about life after prison—she spent 21 years in a Moroccan desert jail with her family. Plus, Edna O’Brien tells us about her latest novel. And Renee Fleming shares some of her favorite arias.
What Happened at Haditha?
Friday, October 13, 2006
Vanity Fair’s William Langewiesche investigates what happened in Haditha last November—when U.S. Marines killed 24 Iraqi civilians, including women and children. Then, Arnold Steinhardt talks about his lifelong passion for the violin. And Lemony Snicket shares the thirteeth and final installment of A Series of Unfortunate Events. Plus: we explore how image consultants shape campaigns on Please Explain.
Modern Transitions
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Guest host Daljit Dhaliwal fills in today for Leonard. We continue our election coverage on today's Underreported with a look at how literacy advocates and democracy trainers are encouraging civic participation in Afghanistan. Then, we learn about debt slaves in Pakistan. And director Ratan Thiyam tells us about his new production at BAM. Later on, we talk to an Inuit Shaman about the modern-day challenges facing his people. Plus, a travel writer retraces the journey his great-grandfather made as a missionary in the South Pacific.
Influential Figures
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican Church, talks about his faith and his sexuality. And a new biography examines Earl Warren’s influence on the Supreme Court and American life. Then, a short story writer explores contemporary characters who are haunted by the Holocaust. Plus, Al and Larry Ubell, the Gurus of How-To, take your calls.
Unexpected Paths
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
James Baker, who served as Chief of Staff to both Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, shares some behind the scenes stories from his life in Washington with guest host Jonathan Capehart. Later on, Rhea Perlman talks about life after “Cheers,” including her new series of children’s books. And award-winning short story writer Ben Fountain stops by. Plus: Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner talk about faith after 9/11.
The Plane Truth?
Monday, October 09, 2006
Guest host Katherine Lanpher asks if airline security is still inadequate, five years after 9/11. Then, guitarist Andy Summers looks back at his days with The Police. And a seasoned ghost story writer tells us about his debut novel. Plus: a new book documents the atrocities committed by Louis Darquier--a Nazi collaborator who served as the commissioner for Jewish Affairs for France's Vichy government.
Winning Strategies
Friday, October 06, 2006
Guest host Philip Gourevitch talks politics with ABC's Mark Halperin and John Harris of The Washington Post. Then, Amir Aczel reveals that one of the world’s most influential mathematicians never existed. And Mohammed Naseehu Ali shares his short stories about Ghana. Plus: this week’s Please Explain is about political districting and gerrymandering.
Life Changing Events
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Time magazine’s Michael Weisskopf lost his hand while covering the war in Iraq. He tells us about his time in the amputee wing of Walter Reed Hospital. But first: we kick off our coverage of Underreported election issues with a Dartmouth professor who says midterm elections are highly predictable. And a new comic book hopes to prevent Native American teens from committing suicide. Plus: tenor Salvatore Licitra talks about his life on and off the stage.
Wrecks
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Ed Harris is back on the New York stage for the first time in a decade. He joins Neil LaBute to discuss their play Wrecks, opening at the Public Theatre. Also on the show: bullriding, America's original extreme sport. Francine Prose explains why reading may be the best way to learn how to write well. Later, humorist Andy Borowitz. And then director Michael Apted shares the latest in his documentary film series that follows the lives of fourteen British people from the age of seven through adulthood.
Life in the Spotlight
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
During the final days of her husband's bid for Vice President, Elizabeth Edwards was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. She tells us about surviving personal tragedies in the public spotlight. Later on, ABC correspondent Lynn Sherr reflects on 40 years as a reporter. And astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson stops by. Plus, Ruth Reichl and John Willoughby of Gourmet describe their search for the best restaurants in America.
Under the Surface
Monday, October 02, 2006
Director Stephen Frears talks about “The Queen,” his behind-the-scenes dramatization of the Royal Family’s struggle with the death of Princess Diana. Then, jazz singer Stacey Kent tells us about her new collaboration with her husband. Plus, Michael Lewis, the author of Moneyball, shares his new book about football. Later on, we’ll listen to a recently discovered interview with Tennessee Williams on Past Present. And we’ll ask what caused a new 40-mile-long crack in the Earth’s surface in Ethiopia.
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