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The Leonard Lopate Show

Ken Burns' "The War"
Ken Burns' "The War"

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.


Ken Burns on “The War”

It took six years for Ken Burns to complete his new seven-part, 15-hour epic documentary, “The War.” This World War II documentary weaves interviews with ordinary Americans from four small towns with rare photos and footage. World War II is often referred to as “The Good War,” but the film presents a story that indicates otherwise. Mr. Burns is joined by his co-director and co-producer, Lynn Novick.

To learn more about “The War,” visit PBS.

Events: Ken Burns will be in conversation with Robert Stone
Thursday, September 27 at 7pm
Celeste Bartos Forum
The Main Branch of the New York Public Library
Fifth Avenue, at 42nd Street
For tickets, visit the NYPL website or call 212-868-4444.

Weigh in: Do you consider World War II to be a good war?

Weigh in: We want to hear from World War II veterans. If you have already seen the documentary, what do you think of its depiction of the war?

If you can't see the video click here


Alek Wek

From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel

Born in the southern Sudan, Alek Wek knew only a few years of peace before she was caught up in civil war. She fled Sudan on foot and arrived in London, where she rose from young model to international supermodel. Her journey is recounted in Alek.

Alek is available for purchase at amazon.com

Slideshow: Alek Wek


Greener Pest Control

Pesticides are known to harm wildlife, cause reproductive abnormalities, and are even associated with multiple forms of cancer in humans. There’s a movement afoot to figure out a less harmful approach to control roaches, termites, bedbugs, and other common household pests. Joining Leonard to discuss this movement are Jonathan Kaplan of the Natural Resources Defense Council and Luis Agurto Sr., an exterminator and owner of San Francisco-based pest control company Pestec.

To learn more about green pest control, visit Green Shield Certified.

To read the profile of the Agurtos, visit OnEarth Magazine and click on Who You Gonna Call?


The Great Turtle Race Update

In April 2007, 11 female leatherback turtles equipped with satellite tags competed in The Great Turtle Race, a slow-speed race on their regular migration from Costa Rica to waters near the Galapagos Islands. Now, the disturbing news comes that four of the competitors have disappeared. It’s possible that their satellite tags have become disabled, but perhaps a more likely explanation is that the turtles have died. Leonard speaks with Dr. James Spotila, founder of The Leatherback Trust and a professor at Drexel University, about what might have happened to the turtles, and why leatherbacks face extinction after over 65 million years on Earth.

You can hear the original interview here


Joy Behar on Coping With Life’s Challenges

Joy Behar, co-host of ABC’s “The View,” doesn’t have any advice of her own to dispense. Instead, she offers brief personal essays from more than 100 of her best friends including Tony Danza, Barbara Bush, and Larry King. The advice in When You Need a Lift ranges from the simple to the profound, and from the silly to the serious.

When You Need a Lift is available for purchase at amazon.com

Events: Joy Behar will be speaking and signing books
Wednesday, September 26 at 7pm
Barnes & Noble Union Square
33 East 17th Street

Weigh in: What do you do when you need a lift?



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