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September 2007
Cultural Exchanges
Friday, September 28, 2007
Director Ang Lee discusses his latest film, "Lust, Caution." And a documentary filmmaker traces the troubled history of three Southern counties where whites systemically banished African-Americans residents around the turn of the 20th century. On today's Please Explain, we'll learn the value of a dollar as our experts tell us all about currency rates. But first, a local filmmaker reveals how one once-impoverished Brooklyn neighborhood is reacting to gentrification. Amy Eddings sits in for Leonard today.
We’re All Just Star Dust
Thursday, September 27, 2007
A robotic spacecraft has been in Saturn’s orbit for three years, studying the planet and its moons. On today’s Underreported, two members of the mission explain how their discoveries provide insight into our own origins on Earth. Then, why up to 1 million people still speak the universal language Esperanto. Plus, Ann Patchett on her fifth and latest novel. And we’re joined by three of this year’s Lasker Award winners, the medical profession’s answer to the Nobel Prize.
A Necessary War
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
On today’s show, Ken Burns discusses his seven-part, 15-hour epic World War II documentary. Then, Alek Wek on how she fled the civil war in Sudan and eventually became an international supermodel. Also, we'll talk about a new movement that's trying to figure out a less harmful approach to controlling pests. And we get an update on The Great Turtle Race. Plus, Joy Behar dispenses advice on how to get through life’s rough patches.
The Worst Buildings in NYC
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
We’ve been asking listeners to submit pictures of some of the worst buildings in New York City. Now, Christopher Gray joins us to discuss what makes a building bad and to unveil his choices for The Worst Buildings in New York. But first, a cognitive neuroscientist describes how reading has influenced the evolution of the brain. Then, we’ll look at what will happen to the Ethiopian children orphaned by AIDS. Also, an operita that explores the life of its protagonist through the tango.
India at 60
Monday, September 24, 2007
On today's show: we'll find out how India has united its diverse population over six decades as an independent democracy, and why the country is now poised to become a global superpower. Then comedian Robert Klein remembers 35 years of laughter on HBO. Also, we'll take a look inside the weird and wonderful world of competitive chess. And a former advertising executive will tell us how he became a Starbucks barista and why it's the best job he's ever had.
Inside the Supreme Court
Friday, September 21, 2007
On today's show: CNN legal analyst and New Yorker staff writer Jeffrey Toobin takes us behind the scenes of our nation's highest court. Then director Robin Swicord and actor Hugh Dancy discuss their new film, The Jane Austen Book Club. Also, a novelist tells the story of an amnesiac with a bizarre scheme to regain his memories. And on today's Please Explain, we'll talk about the most common mental illness in the United States: phobia.
Heroics Needed
Thursday, September 20, 2007
On today’s Underreported, we’ll examine how recent clashes in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo threaten the regional stability of central Africa. Then, we’ll head closer to home to learn about why Brooklyn's Newtown Creek oil spill is far worse than anyone originally thought. Also, Edwidge Danticat on what it was like for her family to leave Haiti for New York. And a South African perspective on the African-American experience – from slavery to the 2004 election. Plus, what we can learn from Dwight D. Eisenhower today.
Tiki Talks
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
On today's show, Tiki Barber talks about the ups and downs of playing professional football. Then, we'll look at the 40th anniversary of the musical "Hair." And a veteran journalist investigates his own family's dark history. Plus, word maven Patricia T. O'Conner answers your questions on the use and misuse of the English language.
If I Could Turn Back Time
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
How many Chinese leaders can you name? Today's Backstory looks at who really is running the world’s most populous country. Then, how biotechnology may actually slow down or even reverse the aging process. Plus, a look into the fierce academic climate at Stuyvesant High. But first, we’ll examine how 57 million Americans are living just above the poverty line.
It's the Economy, Stupid!
Monday, September 17, 2007
On today's show: Alan Greenspan reflects on his life and nearly twenty year career as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. And General Wesley Clark explains why he ran for president in 2004, and what's he's got planned for 2008. Also, a writer describes her family's journey from Ethiopia to America. And we'll hear about a new novel based on the true story of a Toyko serial killer of the 1940s.
Words of Wisdom
Friday, September 14, 2007
On today's show: Bestselling author and Harvard Professor of Psychology Steven Pinker tells us what everyday speech reveals about the way our minds work. Then a curator from the Brooklyn Museum of Art describes what's new with their collection of millennia-old mummies. Also, we'll get the scoop on the 2007 Brooklyn Book Festival. And for our latest Please Explain, we'll take a look at HMOs.
Crime and Punishment in New Orleans
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Hurricane Katrina ravaged not only the city of New Orleans, but its justice system. On today’s show, we’ll discuss what can be done to reform its troubled criminal justice system. Then, Edward Albee and Marian Seldes look into what the deeper mission of artists can be. And a documentary tells the story of the theft of Europe’s art treasures by the Nazis. But first, Underreported looks at Burma’s health crisis and the military regime’s crackdown on journalists.
Cracking the Cold Case
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
On today’s show, the pioneer of modern forensic science takes us into the real world of crime scene investigation. Then, what will be lost if Maya civilization ruins are not protected. Also a finance writer explains how we can make better investment decisions by understanding our brains. Plus, the Gurus of How-to, Al and Larry Ubell take your calls.
Six Years Later
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
On the sixth anniversary of the attacks of September 11th, we’ll look at where redevelopment stands at Ground Zero. When will we see a completed Freedom Tower, memorial, transportation hub, and other elements of the rebuilding process? Then, a New York City female cabbie recounts her two years behind the wheel. Also, Amy Bloom on her fifth novel. Plus, an economist and journalist explains why wealthier countries should embrace immigrants.
Food for Thought
Monday, September 10, 2007
On today's show: Food Network star Rachael Ray tells us what's cooking on the new season of her show. And we'll hear from an adventurous eater who traveled the globe to find unusual meals. Also, a writer reveals how she came to terms with middle age and all the gray hair that goes with it. But first, a Yale law professor encourages universities to ask students the age-old question: what is the meaning of life?
Hollywood Royalty
Friday, September 07, 2007
On today's show: Academy Award winner Michael Douglas joins us to discuss his latest film, King of California. Then director Michael Verhoeven describes his new documentary about Germany's continuing struggle to understand Nazi atrocities. Also, a Newsweek writer explains how luxury goods became a $157 billion global industry. And on today's Please Explain, we’ll learn all about over-the-counter painkillers.
Misguided Support
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Today's Underreported is all about Ethiopia. First, a former Ethiopian political prisoner explains how the government suppresses dissent. We'll also find out how the US is complicit in the Ethiopian military’s recent campaign of violence and terror in the Ogaden region. Also: John Turturro on writing and directing a musical love story. And short-story writer George Saunders on the release of his first nonfiction collection. Plus, three writers discuss the year’s best stories from the South.
Super Crunchers
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
On today’s show, former Secretary of Labor Robert B. Reich explains why he thinks the triumph of global capitalism has made democracy less effective. Then, actor Alan Alda shares how he strived to create a meaningful life after a nearly fatal intestinal obstruction. Also, we look at an internationally renowned Japanese silent film star from the early 1900s. Plus, a law-and-economics guru on how number-crunching can affect everyday life in some surprising ways.
And Now for Something Completely Different...
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
On today's show: Monty Python alumnus Michael Palin takes us behind the scenes of the seminal British comedy troupe. And Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto describes his latest cookbook. Also, an ER doctor shares his debut collection of short fiction. But first, skeptical environmentalist Bjorn Lomborg will argue that we should stop worrying about climate change and learn to demand the facts.
Underappreciated
Monday, September 03, 2007
On today's show: The final installment of our Underappreciated Literature series examines the work one of China's most widely read authors, Eileen Chang. And actor Bruce Dern looks back over his film career, including his experiences working with Alfred Hitchcock, Jack Nicholson, Paul Newman and Jane Fonda. Also, Michael Lerner tells the story of Prohibition in New York City. But first, ABC News correspondent Martha Raddatz reports on the lives of our soldiers at war abroad and their anxious families back home.
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