Dr. Vittorio Gallese explains how the brain's complex mirror neurons help shape personality. Then, we check in on a slow-speed leatherback turtle race. And Julia Alvarez talks about her latest novel. Later on, bass player Christian McBride pays tribute to the late Charles Mingus. Plus, Sari Nusseibeh talks about serving as the PLO’s chief representative in Jerusalem from 2001 to 2002.
Dr. Vittorio Gallese, Professor of Human Physiology at the School of Medicine of the University of Parma, explains how mirror neurons affect empathy, and help shape personality.
Today is Day 8 in The Great Turtle Race. Dr. James Spotila cheers on 11 female leatherback turtles who, equipped with satellite tags, are competing in a slow-speed race on their regular migration from Costa Rica to waters near the Galapagos Islands. And we find out why leatherbacks may face extinction after over 65 million years on Earth. Dr. James Spotila is the founder of The Leatherback Trust and a professor at Drexel University.
Julia Alvarez tells us about her new novel, Saving the World, about a modern-day Latina writer who is inspired by a 19th Century woman who battled small pox in the Spanish colonies.
Saving the World is available for purchase at amazon.com
Events: Julia Alvarez will be speakingBass player Christian McBride celebrates the 85th birthday of the late Charles Mingus.
Charles Mingus 85th Birthday Celebration at Jazz at Lincoln Center
From 2001 to 2002, Sari Nusseibeh served as the Palestine Liberation Organization’s chief representative in Jerusalem. He talks about his personal and political convictions in Once Upon a Country, and tells us why he advocates a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Once Upon a Country is available for purchase at amazon.com
Events: Sari Nusseibeh will be in conversation with Ethan BronnerSearch current and archival WNYC broadcasts. More