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Find out about some of the most exciting scientific research happening now! Also: Suzanne Farrell, one of the finest ballerinas of the 20th century. States of the Union is all about New Mexico. Marilynne Robinson on her new novel, Home. And on Underreported: why the NYC Housing Authority seems to be in bad shape.
Top Scientists
We talk about some of the most exciting scientific research happening right now. Leonard talks to two Lasker Award winners: Stanley Falkow, who’s receiving the Lasker Special Achievement Award for his 51-year career as a top microbiologist, specializing in how harmful bacteria works; and Victor Ambros, who pioneered the promising biomedical field of microRNA and is co-winner of the Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research.

Suzanne Farrell, Ballerina
Suzanne Farrell is one of the finest ballerinas of the 20th century, and founder of the Suzanne Farrell Ballet at the Kennedy Center in DC. She joins us to talk about how she recreated the lost Balanchine ballet of "Pithoprakta." Elisabeth Holowchuk is dancing the lead role in "Pithoprakta" at the Fall for Dance Festival; she’s the first dancer to do so since Farrell herself last danced the lead role in 1968.
Event:
“Pithoprakta” will be performed
By the Suzanne Farrell Ballet
Thurs., Sept. 25 at 8:00 PM
At The Fall for Dance Festival, NY City Centre
Go here for tickets and more information.

States of the Union: New Mexico
In 2000, Al Gore won New Mexico by just 365 votes. We find out whether the margin of victory will be that narrow in 2008. Plus, a look at the race for Pete Domenici’s Senate seat. Joining us to explain what matters to voters in the Land of Enchantment is Dan Boyd, reporter for the Albuquerque Journal.
States of the Union fact of the week: Since gaining statehood, New Mexico has voted for the winning presidential candidate in all but two elections.
Marilynne Robinson’s New Novel
Marilynne Robinson talks about her new novel Home. It’s a companion piece to her earlier Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Gilead.
Event:
Marilynne Robinson will be at the 92nd St. Y
Thurs. Sept. 25 at 8:00 pm
Tickets and more info at 92Y.org
Underreported: NYCHA’s Woes
The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is the nation’s largest public housing authority. It’s also facing big troubles. It has a huge operating deficit on its budget, and is also dealing with rising fuel costs, deteriorating properties, and budget cuts. We look into how things got this bad, and what can be done to help save NYCHA. Leonard talks to Councilwoman Rosie Mendez and Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow Julia Vitullo-Martin.
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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.
Video Pick: David Chang on Momofuku
The Leonard Lopate Show
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- Comments [1]
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.
- Comments [33]
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.
- Comments [1]
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.
- Comments [9]
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.
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