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The Leonard Lopate Show
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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.
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.
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.”
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Tributes: Kate McGarrigle
The Leonard Lopate Show
Folk singer Kate McGarrigle, who gained acclaim for a series of projects with her sister Anna, died Monday, Jan. 18, from a rare form of cancer. She left behind a family of talented musicians, including her sister, son Rufus Wainwright, and daughter Martha Wainwright. McGarrigle appeared on The Leonard Lopate show with her sister in December 2005, ahead of their holiday show at Carnegie Hall.
Monona Rossol on 50 Million Chemicals
The Leonard Lopate Show
On September 7, 2009, scientists working for the Chemical Abstract Service (which assigns identification numbers to all new chemicals) entered the 50-millionth chemical substance into their Registry. Chemist and industrial hygienist Monona Rossol, President and Founder of Arts, Crafts & Theater Safety, took a look at what all these new substances are, where they are coming from, and how they affect our health. Rossol also responded to listener comments and questions. You can read her answers here.
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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!
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.