A Country With No Government

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Belgium has been without a government since June. We discuss how that's affecting the ethnically divided country, and whether Belgians can expect to see a new government anytime soon. Also: a look at the events that shaped America's earliest years. The life of filmmaker Otto Preminger. And celebrated sculptor Martin Puryear!

We want your favorite holiday cookie recipe! On Dec. 11, we're hosting a Christmas cookie recipe swap. Dig up your favorite recipe and submit here.

Getting Older in America

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Tens of millions of baby boomers are in their 50s and 60s. A geriatrician and a sociologist tell us what America's baby boomers need to know before they become senior citizens. Also: find out what soldiers are reading. We hear about a thwarted aid mission in Afghanistan. Plus, Alice Walker discuses her new book Why War is Never a Good Idea.

We want your favorite holiday cookie recipe! On Dec. 11, we're hosting a Christmas cookie recipe swap. Dig up your favorite recipe and submit here.

Nation of Islam

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Since Louis Farrakhan became ill and stepped out of public view, the Nation of Islam has had to regroup. We find out what's happening within the Nation of Islam, and how it's changed post-9/11. Also: Craig Unger on why he holds President personally responsible for the war in Iraq. We'll talk Texas politics on States of the Union. Plus, the new film Badland.

We want your favorite holiday cookie recipe! On Dec. 11, we're hosting a Christmas cookie recipe swap. Dig up your favorite recipe and submit here.

The Toll of the Iraq War

Monday, November 26, 2007

Bill Gates is no longer the world's richest person; Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim now has that title. Find out how who Mr. Slim is, and how he made his billions. Also: we hear about an AP photographer who's being detained in an US Army prison in Iraq without charges. Then a look at the toll the Iraq war has taken on soldiers, both on the frontlines and here at home. Plus, the manuscripts of two former slaves who wrote about their escapes to freedom.

We want your favorite holiday cookie recipe! On Dec. 11, we're hosting a Christmas cookie recipe swap. Dig up your favorite recipe and submit here.

Using Words

Friday, November 23, 2007

Language isn't a uniquely human gift...animals use it too. Find out what that reveals about how human language evolved. Also: the life of Hugo Chavez, from poverty to the presidency of Venezuela. We look back at the events surrounding JFK's assassination. Plus, two of America's finest actors, Frank Langella and Lili Taylor.

Americans in Space

Thursday, November 22, 2007

We celebrate 50 years of NASA with astronaut Eileen Collins and space historian Michael Neufeld. Also: find out how kids can contribute to the fight against global warming! And Alice Sebold shares her latest novel.

Check out the results of our Thanksgiving cartoon contest here!

Cartoon Cornucopia!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

All entries are in for the Leonard Lopate Show Thanksgiving cartoon contest....now it's time to find out who won! You can see the winning results here. Plus: find out what it's like to suddenly inherit millions of dollars in family money you never knew existed. We also talk to showbiz legend Norman Lloyd. And Patricia T. O'Conner takes your calls on the English language.

Click here to see New Yorker cartoon editor Robert Mankoff's top picks from Cartoon Cornucopia contest.

Proof of Torture

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

The White House has insisted that torture at Abu Ghraib was an isolated aberration. Official documents prove that's not true. Also, a conversation with one of the Netherlands' most famous writers. On Backstory, all about the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party). Plus: just in time for Thanksgiving, tips on how to avoid overeating.

What Comes Next?

Monday, November 19, 2007

President George W. Bush's former speechwriter, Michael Gerson, says the Republic party needs to change in order to succeed. He shares his vision for his party's future. Also: a look into how today's political debates could shape the future of science in America. A look at how Blackwater treats its employees. Find out how we can become better stewards of our global water supply. Plus, playwright Eduardo Machado remembers the foods of his Cuban childhood.

Mind the Gap

Friday, November 16, 2007

The gap between America's rich and poor is growing. We look at how that's affecting our national prosperity, and whether the U.S. government should take action to close the gap. Also, find out about the issues that matter in Virginia as part of our new States of the Union election feature. A look at how mental illness affects families. And Please Explain is all about laughter.

The War on Cancer

Thursday, November 15, 2007

In the fight against cancer, finding its causes are just as important as finding the cure. Epidemiologist Dr. Devra Davis explains why she thinks the war on cancer has been very misguided, and needs to change. Also: find out what scientists can learn from glowing jellyfish and fireflies. Jim Shepherd shares his new short story collection. And we hear about the life and tragic death of a Guatemalan human rights activist.

Friday's Please Explain is about laughter. To help us prepare, tell us something that always makes you laugh. Is it a joke? a person? a situation? Leave a comment here.

Toxic Shower Curtains?

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Chemicals in hand lotion, shower curtains, and cleaning supplies could be harming your health. So why is the US so far behind Europe in regulating these dangerous chemicals? Find out how the US government could improve regulation. Also: the Berlin Philharmonic, now stopping by New York. We hear some murder ballads and disaster songs from the early 20th century. And then...share your home repair disasters with the gurus of how-to, Al and Larry Ubell.

This Friday, Nov. 16, Please Explain is all about laughter. To help us prepare, we're asking you to tell us about a joke, a person, or a situation that makes you laugh without fail.

On Ugliness

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then ugliness is too. Umberto Eco explores human fascination and disgust towards ugliness. Also, find out how the oil industry benefited from the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1992. We hear about the drawings of French pointillist Georges Seurat. Plus: the far-reaching scandal involving former Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson.

Marco Polo and Machiavelli

Monday, November 12, 2007

We look at the history of prayer in American public schools since 1963. Also: new perspectives on the lives of two legends - Marco Polo and Machiavelli. It turns out that Machiavelli may not have been as cold-hearted as history books would have us believe! Plus, Iranian-American novelist Porochista Khakpour.

No Sleep 'Til...

Friday, November 09, 2007

Around 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia each year. On today's Please Explain, find out what causes insomnia...and what you can do to get some sleep. Also: celebrating the life and work of Peter Jennings. We hear the history of Arabs and Jews in the ancient port city of Jaffa. And a look at the new play Masked. Guest host Julie Burstein sits in today for Leonard.

Our Thanksgiving cartoon contest is in full swing. Find the funny side of Thanksgiving, and submit your original cartoon here.

States of the Union

Thursday, November 08, 2007

What happens in the Iowa caucuses may determine who the next president will be. Today we kick off our new election series, States of the Union, with a look at which issues matter most to Iowans…..and whether the candidates are listening. Also: the origins of habeas corpus. We hear about Theresa Rebeck's new play, Mauritius. And on Underreported: why radio is such an important medium in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This Friday, Nov. 9, find out about the the causes and cures of insomnia on Please Explain. We want to hear about your solutions for sleeplessness. You can tell us by leaving a comment here.

And you can still submit your cartoon to our Thanksgiving cartoon contest here!

News from the Frontier

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Scientists are making important progress with stem cell research...despite strict government regulations. Hear the latest from the stem cell frontier. Plus, a new theory about the function of the human appendix. Find out how gender may affect posture. Joshua Henkin talks about his new novel. And a history of women in modern Iraq.

This Friday, Nov. 9, find out about the the causes and cures of insomnia on Please Explain. We want to hear about your solutions for sleeplessness. You can tell us by leaving a comment here.

40 Years Later...

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Tom Brokaw looks into the mixed legacy of the 1960s - and how the people who tuned in, turned on, and dropped out have helped shape America in the 21st century. Also, Chuck Close explains his creative process. We read some of the 12,000 letters the Mitford sisters wrote to each other. Plus: how 40 years of settlements in Israel have polarized both Israelis and Palestinians.

Consider the Alternatives

Monday, November 05, 2007

Academy Award winner Shirley MacLaine presents her latest memoir on getting older and wiser through alternative healing. And husband and wife filmmakers focus on the lives of Uganda's child refugees. Also, members of Berlin's Nomad SoundSystem describe the unique blend of global influences that shapes their music. But first, Washington State Congressman Jay Inslee and Bracken Hendricks make their case for a clean energy future.

The Leonard Lopate Show is hosting a new Thanksgiving cartoon contest, Cartoon Cornucopia! Check it out and be sure to submit your original cartoon by Wednesday, November 14 at noon.

On the Boards

Friday, November 02, 2007

Chess Grandmaster Garry Kasparov reflects on his life and the lessons he learned from the game that made him famous. Then the founder of Circle in the Square recounts the most memorable moments of six decades with the theater. Also, the director of the PERFORMA 07 festival describes the challenge of mounting 100 original shows in just 25 days. And Please Explain is all about Islamic law.

The Leonard Lopate Show is hosting a new Thanksgiving cartoon contest, Cartoon Cornucopia! Check it out and be sure to submit your original cartoon by Wednesday, November 14 at noon.

The Clinton Marriage: For Love of Politics

Thursday, November 01, 2007

During Bill Clinton’s eight years in the White House, Hillary Clinton may have been much more involved in decision-making than the public ever knew. Biographer Sally Bedell Smith suggests that if Hillary were elected, we’d actually have two presidents in office. Plus, on Underreported, find out why Alabama’s Democratic Governor was convicted of corruption while Republicans involved in similar scandals were not. We hear about an exhibition of over 200 Dutch masterpieces at the Met. Also, one man’s transformation from unhappy teenager to legendary pool hustler. Plus: celebrating Mexico's Day of the Dead here in New York City.

The Leonard Lopate Show is hosting a new Thanksgiving cartoon contest, Cartoon Cornucopia! Check it out and be sure to submit your original cartoon by Wednesday, November 14 at noon.