On Demand
The Leonard Lopate Show Archive
February 2007
Communicating and Communing
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Linguist Deborah Tannen talks about how mothers and daughters communicate with one another. Then, a new novel set in colonial New York brings to life the tension and violence caused by rumors of a slave revolt in 1741. And a documentary takes us inside one of the most ascetic monasteries in the world. Plus, word maven Patricia T. O’Conner takes your calls!
Hard Times
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Keith Glass, a longtime agent for basketball players, tells us why he feels the NBA is in trouble. Then, artists Dorothea Rockburne and Lynda Benglis look back at an exciting creative period in the late 60s and mid-70s. Plus, a new novel based on a real WWI-era campaign in which women suspected of having venereal diseases were sent to detention homes. And short story writers Rick Bass, Mary Gordon, and George Saunders compare notes.
At Work in the World
Monday, February 26, 2007
Mia Farrow, actor and UNICEF ambassador, has just returned from a trip to Chad and the Central African Republic, two of Africa's most forgotten and troubled nations. Now she shares what she saw there and encourages the world to take action. Also: why people fight for sport - and why others like to watch. We'll hear about a revival of a little-known play by JM Barrie, author of Peter Pan. And a conversation with two women who are being honored for their remarkable scientific achievements.
Aiming for Impartiality
Friday, February 23, 2007
Three photographers working in the Middle East discuss the ethics and challenges of covering conflict there. Then, an American bread expert talks about the rise of great artisanal bread in France. Plus, roots musician David Bromberg performs live in our studios. And we summon you for this week’s Please Explain on jury duty.
Challenging Discrimination
Thursday, February 22, 2007
On today’s Underreported, we look at the caste-motivated killings, rapes, and other abuses suffered by India's Dalits, or “untouchables.” Then, Lillian Ross looks back on the six decades she spent at The New Yorker writing about film. And we hear about a new novel about a South American radio host. Plus, Renée Richards talks about life since her 1975 sex reassignment surgery.
Exploring Humanity
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
A science writer takes us on a tour of the pre-frontal cortex—a region of the brain that controls many of the traits that make humans unique. Later on, Jane Smiley shares her new novel Ten Days in the Hills. Plus, we talk to the director of an Oscar-nominated documentary about pedophilia among priests. And Al and Larry Ubell, the Gurus of How-To, take your calls.
Minorities and Majorities
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Senator Chuck Schumer talks about how Democrats can win the middle class majority. Then, Rory Kennedy shares her new documentary about what happened at Abu Ghraib. Plus, we get an update on France's presidential race on Backstory. And F. Murray Abraham, James Shapiro, and Jeffrey Horowitz discuss anti-Semitism, Marlowe, and Shakespeare.
Place and Identity
Monday, February 19, 2007
Davar Ardalan talks about the different lives she’s led in Iran and America. Then, legendary jazz pianist and composer Freddie Redd talks about his acclaimed career. And director Daniele Thompson tells us about her new film “Avenue Montaigne.” Plus, New Yorker staff writer James B. Stewart delves into the recent troubles at Hewlett-Packard.
World Views
Friday, February 16, 2007
We try to get to the bottom of what makes cities tick—by asking how what’s below ground shapes life above. And we talk about how images can help us understand complicated scientific ideas on Please Explain.
Slideshow: Scientific Illustrations
Contracts and Effects
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Pulitzer Prize-winning Vanity Fair contributing editors Don Barlett and Jim Steele examine the inner workings of a company they describe as “the largest government contractor you've never heard of.” And on Underreported, we delve into some of the most innovative and unusual strategies for dealing with garbage and household waste.
National Struggles
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
We look at the role the press played in bringing the civil rights struggle to the forefront of America’s consciousness. Plus, journalist Edward Humes examines the battle that broke out when the school board of Dover, Pennsylvania added a book about intelligent design to its science curriculum.
Inside Information
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The editors of The Film Snob’s Dictionary offer a crash course on how to hold your own with even the most intimidating cinephiles. Plus, former FBI special agent Joe Pistone talks about how he infiltrated the Mafia by going undercover as Donnie Brasco.
No Free Lunches
Monday, February 12, 2007
If climate change is affecting weather patterns, then it follows that it will also affect global food supplies. We'll look into what might happen to crop yields around the world, which crops are most at risk, and whether we should be taking steps to alleviate future problems. Also: David Mamet on what it takes to get a movie made in Hollywood.
Get Googly-Eyed With Amy Sedaris
Friday, February 09, 2007
Amy Sedaris dishes up hot tips on home decoration, cooking, and entertainment. In her new book, I Like You: The Art of Hospitality Under the Influence, she tells you how to make meatloaf wreaths, tampon cat toys, and eye burritos. Amy also announces the winner of our "Make Food Come Alive With Googly Eyes" craft challenge! Plus, on Please Explain: all about chocolate.
AND THE WINNER IS...
How To Be a Tourist
Thursday, February 08, 2007
On today's show: some of the best places to visit, food to eat, and things to see in New York - whether you're a tourist or a dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker. Also, on Underreported: there are over 100 tribes living in remote places throughout the world who choose to avoid contact with the rest of the world. We'll find out why they don't want contact, and how they manage to survive. Plus: why the one-dollar coin has never caught on in the U.S. Amy Sedaris Craft Challenge!
Dirty Water
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Raw sewage from the Mexican city of Tijuana flows downhill into the canyons and surf of Southern California. Today we'll find out why the mess still hasn't been cleaned up, even after years of planning and politics. Also, a woman who was born in Vietnam talks about the cultural confusion she felt while growing up in Michigan. We'll hear about an unusual documentary that draws upon literature being created by soldiers in Iraq. Plus: why illness may actually help keep us healthy.
Enter the Amy Sedaris Craft Challenge!
The News War
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Patrick Buchanan once said that "the battle between the White House and the national media is the battle over who controls the national agenda." On today's show: how the mainstream news media decides what is news and what isn't. Also, travelers on personal quests: one woman traces her ancestors back to Africa's Gold Coast, and another woman's search for happiness in Italy, India, and Indonesia. And Colm Toibin's new short story collection, Mothers and Sons. Guest host Julie Burstein sits in for Leonard today.
Enter the Amy Sedaris Craft Challenge!
Which Way to the White House?
Monday, February 05, 2007
It's been a long time since the South was a Democratic stronghold. On today's show, we'll hear a debate on whether the Democrats should woo back the South in order to win the White House in 2008. Then, Turkish novelist Elif Shafak tackles questions of Turkish identity - she was once brought to court for "insulting Turkishness." Leonard talks to a writer who says that women's emotional relationship with money affects every part of their lives. Also, borderline personality disorder: what it is, and why you should know about it. The illness affects roughly 10 million Americans.
Enter the Amy Sedaris Craft Challenge!
I'll Be Your Private Funder
Friday, February 02, 2007
Private foundations in America give away about 35 billion dollars each year. We'll look into how money from people like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates is changing the world. Also, a new biography of Thomas Hardy. A German filmmaker looks back on life in East Berlin in the days of the Stasi. And on Please Explain: all about radiology. Ever wonder how x-rays make images of your bones?
Enter the Amy Sedaris Craft Challenge!
Tijuana Slingshots
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Police in Tijuana recently had their guns confiscated and were issued slingshots instead as part of President Felipe Calderon’s crackdown on drug gangs. On today’s Underreported: Calderon’s new policies. Also: what the price of tortillas tells us about the health of the Mexican economy. Then, the history of the Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden. We’ll hear about a new feature film about the US involvement in Iraq. And journalist Edward Luce tries to make sense of the many contradictions of modern India.
Enter the Amy Sedaris Craft Challenge!
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