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The Leonard Lopate Show

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
  • For the Birds

    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.

Argumentative Americans

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.

How to be a Responsible Bird Feeder

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?

The History of Birdwatching in America

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 Novel Last Last Chance

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

Questioning Earth’s Future

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.

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.