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On Demand

The Leonard Lopate Show

Wednesday, November 14, 2007
  • Exposed

    Toxic Shower Curtains?

    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.

Everyday Toxic Substances….In Your Body

Thanks to everyday products like cosmetics and cleaning supplies, Americans of all ages have many toxic substances in their bodies…that’s according to tests done in 2005 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Mark Schapiro tells us what the US government needs to do to better regulate these substances. His new book is Exposed.

Weigh in: Are you concerned about toxic chemicals in the everyday products you use? And if you found out that one of your favorite products was a potential health risk…would you stop using it?

Exposed is available for purchase at amazon.com

players of the Berlin Philharmonic

Berlin Philharmonic in Lights

Berlin Without WallsThe Berlin Philharmonic is now at Carnegie Hall as part of the Berlin in Lights festival, which celebrates the city as one of the world’s centers of artistic expression and forward thinking. Leonard talks to Pamela Rosenberg, general director of the Berlin Philharmonic; and Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall’s executive and artistic director.

Berlin Philharmonic website
More about Carnegie Hall’s Berlin in Lights festival
Inside the Philharmonic

Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs from the Early 1900s

Early 20th century disasters like the Titanic and the Great Depression inspired homegrown music. Henry Sapoznik has put together a new CD box set called People Take Warning! Murder Ballads & Disaster Songs 1913-1938, with an introduction by Tom Waits.

People Take Warning! is available for purchase at amazon.com

Al and Larry Ubell, Gurus of How-To

Al and Larry Ubell, the gurus of how-to, take your calls on home repair. Today we especially want to hear about your home repair disasters: tell us about your infestations, collapses on major holidays, burst pipes, etc. Give us a call at 212-433-9692 (that’s 212-433-WNYC) or leave a comment below.

Weigh in: What’s the worst home repair problem you’ve ever experienced? And how was it resolved?

If you can't see the video click here

National Book Award Winners

The Leonard Lopate Show

A number of this year’s National Book Award winners have appeared on The Leonard Lopate Show. Click here to see the list!

Tributes: Jeanne-Claude

The Leonard Lopate Show

Jeanne-Claude created environmental works of art with her husband and fellow-conspirator/collaborator Christo. Together, they wrapped the Reichstag in Berlin, the Pont-Neuf in Paris, and created The Gates, with billowy orange drapes, in Central Park. Jeanne-Claude just died at the age of 74. You can hear Leonard Lopate’s last interview with them both, from July 19, 1999.

Please Explain: Eco-Labels

The Leonard Lopate Show

Your broccoli, shampoo, and air conditioner might bear labels declaring them to be organic, cruelty-free, or energy efficient, but what do those labels mean and are they true? Dr. Urvashi Rangan, Project Director for Consumer Reports' GreenerChoices.org and Consumers Union’s Senior Scientist for Policy Initiatives, and Dara O'Rourke, founder and CEO of GoodGuide.com, took a look at what eco-labels indicate, how standards are set, and what they mean for consumers and manufacturers around the world.

Our 3-ingredient Challenge wins a James Beard Award

The Leonard Lopate Show

On May 3, the Lopate Show won its third James Beard Award for our 3-ingredient challenge. In August, we asked our listeners to call in and name 3 ingredients and then challenged New York chef and 3-ingredient expert Rozanne Gold to whip up a recipe! You can listen to the 3-ingredient challenge and get some inspiration for simple, delicious, and unexpected dishes.