We look into whether Earth really is in danger of becoming uninhabitable for humans in the near future. Also: how to feed birds responsibly. Find out about the history of birdwatching in America. Fiona Maazel on her debut novel. And a discussion on the role of debates and arguments in the U.S. political process.
Political journalist Howard Fineman says that every single political argument in the U.S. can be boiled down to thirteen distinct issues, like “Who is a person?” and “Who is an American?” Fineman also says that as long as Americans argue with each other, there’s hope for the future. His new book is The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country.
Some experts are concerned that improper birdfeeding can disrupt birds’ natural migration and breeding patterns over the long term. Ornithologist Dr. David Bonter of Cornell University’s Project FeederWatch tells us how we can feed birds responsibly.
Weigh in: Do you think NYC is a good place to feed birds? Where do you set up your birdfeeder?
There are millions of birders in the U.S. today. Find out the history of birdwatching in America, from the colonial times to the present. Scott Weidensaul’s recent book is Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding.
Fiona Maazel’s debut novel is Last Last Chance follows the adventures of Lucy, a young woman with a family history of drug addiction who works at a kosher chicken plant in New York City.
Events: Fiona Maazel will be in conversation with Jim Shepard
Wednesday, April 23 at 7 pm
Tribeca Barnes & Noble
97 Warren Street (at Greenwich Street)
Fiona Maazel will be speaking and signing books
Monday, May 12 at 7 pm
Columbus Circle Borders
How likely is it that Earth will become uninhabitable for humans in the near future? James Gustave Speth, dean of Yale’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, tells us what we need to do to save it for future generations. He’s the author of The Bridge at the Edge of the World: Capitalism, the Environment, and Crossing from Crisis to Sustainability.
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