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The Leonard Lopate Show

Wednesday, August 27, 2008
  • Carol Stringari in the Guggenheim Conservation Lab.
    Carol Stringari in the Guggenheim Conservation Lab.

    Layered Look

    Find out why energy policy is one of the hot topics of the Democratic convention in Denver so far. Also, we look at art conservation as a forensic science. Plus, the poems of W.S. Di Piero. And word maven Patricia T. O'Conner takes your calls on the English language.

High Gas Prices

Energy Policy is Hot

With oil prices reaching record highs recently, one of the hot topics of this year's Democratic convention in Denver has been energy policy. We look into the role energy policy is playing in this year's campaigns. Gene Karpinski, President of the League of Conservation Voters, joins us live from Denver.

More Vote 2008 Coverage from WNYC

Art Conservation as Forensic Science

We look at art conservation as a forensic science. Guggenheim Museum conservationist Carol Stringari recently used a severely damaged Ad Reinhardt painting, "Black Painting, 1960–66," that had been deemed all but destroyed to develop new conservation techniques! A Guggenheim exhibit, "Imageless," explores the scientific study and experimental treatment of Reinhardt’s damaged painting.

Event:
The Guggenheim is hosting a symposium for "Imageless"
Sept. 13, 10AM-5PM
Featuring forensic scientists, conservators, artists, art historians, curators, and other art and science professionals
For tickets and more information, go to Guggenheim.org

Images from the Guggenheim’s “Imageless” exhibit

Chinese Apples: Poems by W.S. Di Piero

San Francisco-based poet and art critic W.S. Di Piero’s recent book of new and selected poems, Chinese Apples, ranges from character studies of his South Philadelphia youth and meditations on Italian-American culture, to word portraits of California.

Word Maven Patricia T. O'Conner

Word maven Patricia T. O’Conner answers your questions about the English language! Give us a call at 212-433-9692 (212-433-WNYC) or leave a comment at wnyc.org.

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.

Let’s Go Swimming!

The Leonard Lopate Show

According to the Centers for Disease Control, bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms found in recreational water in the United States sicken thousands of people every year, and even result in deaths. We’ll speak with chemist and industrial hygienist Monona Rossol about the protozoa, amoebas and other things that love to go swimming with us. Monona is also founder and President of Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety.

Frank McCourt

The Leonard Lopate Show

Frank McCourt has been a guest many times on this show over the years, starting in 1996 for the memoir, Angela’s Ashes, that would earn him a Pulitzer Prize. Fame came to him late in life, after he’d retired at the age of 65 from teaching English and creative writing at public schools here in New York. He was a sweet, eloquent man who spoke with grace and humility; he just died at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer. You can hear him speaking with Leonard Lopate for his Survival Kit in 2000, and in 2005, for his memoir, Teacher Man.

Science and Faith

The Leonard Lopate Show

Earlier this week, Pres. Obama announced that he plans to nominate geneticist Dr. Francis Collins to lead the National Institutes of Health. You can listen to Leonard’s 2006 conversation with Dr. Collins about how he reconciles his personal faith with his professional scientific knowledge.

FDA to Regulate Tobacco?

The Leonard Lopate Show

May 14, 2009
Congress is getting ready to a vote on whether to make tobacco subject to FDA regulation. You can listen to a segment we did in May about the bill and what it would mean for the cigarette companies.

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.

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.