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The Leonard Lopate Show

Thursday, May 29, 2008
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    Find out how the U.S. can become the world leader in science and technology once again. Also: interactions between humans and robots, and humans and horses. The long tradition of manufacturing along the Gowanus canal. And on Underreported: all about Lebanon's new president, Michel Suleiman, and whether he can help heal the country's deep divisions. Plus, a look at the longest-serving inmate in the American prison system. Guest host Jad Abumrad of WNYC's Radio Lab sits in for Leonard today.

How America Can Take the Lead in Science and Technology

We look into what the U.S. needs to do to become a world leader in science and technology once again. Brian Greene is a professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University and host of PBS series “The Elegant Universe”; he also helped put together the World Science Festival, happening in New York May 28-June 1.

Robots and Humans

Robot expert Dr. Cynthia Breazeal talks about how robots and humans interact, and the limits of artificial intelligence. She’s Director of the Personal Robots Group at MIT Media Lab and Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences at MIT, and will be speaking on a panel, “Pioneers in Science,” this afternoon at the World Science Festival.

Gowanus Transformations

After it became a canal in the mid-19th century, the Gowanus turned into an important manufacturing hub. A new exhibit at the Brooklyn Historical Society, “Gowanus Transformations,” celebrates 150 years of Gowanus manufacturing, which continues today despite many changes in the neighborhood.

We hear from two Gowanus manufacturers: Danny Maldari makes pasta at Maldari & Sons; Jeremy Chernick is manager of J & M Special Effects. Also: Phaedra Thomas of Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corp.

Slideshow of Gowanus Manufacturing

6,000 Years of Humans and Horses

Humans domesticated horses some 6,000 years ago, and since then the two species have shared a powerful bond. A new exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History, ”The Horse,” looks at how horses and humans have interacted in cultures throughout the world. Ross McPhee is curator.

Slideshow of Images from “The Horse” at the AMNH

Underreported: Lebanon’s New President, Michel Suleiman

Lebanon’s new President, Michel Suleiman, has just taken office after a 6-month presidential void. We find out more about why President Suleiman has become a symbol of unity, and whether he can help heal the country's deep divisions. Dr. Fawaz Gerges is an author, Mideast scholar and Beirut native who holds the Christian A. Johnson Chair in International Affairs and Middle Eastern Studies at Sarah Lawrence College. His new article for Dissent magazine is "Hezbollah and the Future of Lebanon."

Underreported: Longest-Serving Inmate

The longest-serving inmate in the United States prison system is William Heirens, also known as the Lipstick Killer for the message left scrawled in lipstick at a crime scene. He’s been continuously incarcerated for 62 years and counting. Journalist Adam Higginbotham tells us about Heirens’s many years in prison. His article in the June GQ magazine is “The Long, Long Life of the Lipstick Killer.”

The Franken Factor

Al Franken will be declared the winner of the Minnesota Senate race recount, even though Norm Coleman is expected to challenge the results in court. Al Franken has been a guest on the Lopate Show several times, most recently in 2005. Hear him talk about his journey from performing to politics.

Caroline Kennedy on the Lopate Show

The Leonard Lopate Show

Caroline Kennedy’s bid for Hillary Clinton’s Senate seat could make her the latest member of the Kennedy family to take on a major role in national politics. She’s been a guest on the Lopate Show twice – once to talk about Americans’ right to privacy, and more recently to discuss examples of political courage.

Leonard is on Facebook

Now Leonard is on Facebook! We’re posting photos, status updates, links to notable interviews, and lots more. Check it out.

Barack Obama, Circa 2004

The Leonard Lopate Show

Listen to President-Elect Barack Obama on the Leonard Lopate Show in November 2004. He had recently won a seat in the U.S. Senate, and only a few months before, his rousing speech during the 2004 Democratic National Convention catapulted him into the national spotlight.

Guest Picks

The Leonard Lopate Show

Find out surprising facts about some recent guests on the Leonard Lopate Show. Check out our Guest Picks section! Did you know that football star Herschel Walker loves Judge Judy, Laurie Anderson is a big fan of agility training for dogs, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi likes Johnny Depp?