The Scrapbook

Steve Ettlinger, author of "Twinkie, Deconstructed", lists some of the dozens of ingredients found in a Twinkie on the Brian Lehrer Show, 7/31/07.

Posted by Seamus at 02:06 PM

Wired Magazine writer Jeff Howe joins us on The Brian Lehrer Show to explain the idea of "crowdsourcing" and helps us launch our own experiment where we employ you, the listener, in an act of journalism. We’re trying to find out just how much gas-guzzling SUV use there is throughout the New York area, with all the talk of environmental sustainability in the city. We’re giving you until next Thursday to do the counting, but please, just count the cars once.

Posted by Seamus at 12:25 PM

Tino Hernandez, chair of the New York City Housing Authority, explains New York City's public housing system on the Brian Lehrer show, 7/24/07.

Posted by Seamus at 12:59 PM

Jeff Jarvis, writer of the blog Buzzmachine.com, listens to a caller discussing the YouTube/CNN Democratic debate on the Brian Lehrer Show, 7/24/07.

Posted by Seamus at 12:57 PM

Robert Frank, author of "Richistan - A Journey Through the American Wealth Boom and the Lives of the New Rich", explains how more of the new rich are supporting the Democratic Party on the Brian Lehrer Show, 7/23/07.

Posted by Seamus at 01:09 PM

Democrats Press House to Expand Health Care Bill (NY Times)

Aid May Grow for Laid-Off Workers (Washington Post)

Unlikely Adversary Arises to Criticize Detainee Hearings (NY Times)

Deceased Farmers Got USDA Payments (Washington Post)

In Botswana, Step to Cut AIDS Proves a Formula for Disaster (Washington Post)

Low-Key Recall of AIDS Drug Hits World's Poor (NY Times)

Ruling Party in Turkey Wins Broad Victory (NY Times)

Bicycle Plan Is Put On Fast Track (NY Sun)

Mythical Satyr May Be Preserved In Salt (USA Today)

Posted by leboheme at 11:19 AM

Chief Justice Is Reinstated in Pakistan (NY Times)

China Closes 3 Plants on Safety Concerns (NY Times)

Bush Spells Out Interrogation Techniques (NY Sun/AP)

Cheney To Be In Charge During Bush Colonoscopy (CNN International)

White House Says Hill Can't Pursue Contempt Cases (Washington Post)

La Guardia Near-Crash Is One of a Rising Number (NY Times)

Overhaul Plan for Vote System Will Be Delayed (NY Times)

Bloomy: Blast Cleanup Will Last Into Next Week (NY Daily News/AP)

N.H. Couple Evade Death And Taxes (LA Times)

Greening Your Sex Life (NY Post)

Posted by leboheme at 03:12 PM

Sarah Vowell, author of "Assassination Vacation" and contributing editor to This American Life, discusses life after Harry Potter on the Brian Lehrer Show, 7/20/07.

Posted by Seamus at 01:29 PM

Eboo Patel, executive director of the Interfaith Youth Core, discusses his latest book about his faith journey on The Brian Lehrer Show.

Posted by Seamus at 01:25 PM

Asbestos Not Found in Air After Blast, Officials Say (NY Times website)

Trains Mostly Back to Normal, Caution Urged (NY Daily News/Bloomberg)

Democrats Won't Force War Vote (Washington Post)

The Debates' New Face: YouTube Users Will Quiz the Candidates (Washington Post)

New York City Expects Federal Funds to Improve Emergency Radio Use (NY Times)

Debate on Child Pornography’s Link to Molesting (NY Times)

An Epic Showdown as Harry Potter Is Initiated Into Adulthood (NY Times)

Conge$t Plan Wheezes Toward Deal (NY Post)

Posted by leboheme at 11:43 AM

Ashley Lewis and Latosha Belton, organizers of Sisters in Strength Strike Back, and filmmaker Maggie Hadliegh-West pose outside of the Brian Lehrer studios after their interview about cat-calling on the Brian Lehrer show, 7/16/07.

Posted by Seamus at 12:56 PM

To listeners of The Brian Lehrer Show:

When MTA Executive Director and CEO Elliot G. Sander was on the program last week, there were a few questions that he couldn't immediately answer and wanted to get back in touch to provide answers. We hope these are helpful, and look forward to doing the show again soon.

Q: What does the MTA tell bus operators regarding passengers exiting from the rear? Do we have any plans to reduce the number of people exiting from the front door?

A: To speed the process of boarding customers, bus operators are trained to make announcements reminding customers that they should "please use the rear door for exiting". Also, most buses have prominently displayed signs in the front of the bus that remind customers to move to the rear, keep the front platform clear and use the center door to exit. In addition, the Bus Command Center plans to make periodic announcements through the bus radio system to remind passengers to exit through the rear doors.

However, bus operators are not allowed to refuse customers who want to use the front door for exiting. In fact, many customers use the front door to exit for legitimate reasons such as handicapped and elderly customers who sit in priority seating near the front of the bus, and customers who wish to use the front door kneeling feature which lowers the bus for easier exiting.

In addition, during snow and ice accumulations bus operators may exercise discretion in using front door only operation. During front door only operation, bus operators board and discharge customers using the front door only when it is unsafe for customers to exit the rear door.

Q: Does the MTA have any plans to reduce the noise created by bus brakes?

A: Prior to the mid-1980's New York City Transit buses were equipped with asbestos brake linings that did not make noise. In the mid-1980s, New York City Transit discontinued the use of asbestos for health and environmental reasons, and currently use only non-asbestos brake linings. Unfortunately, as these brake linings begin to wear, they tend to screech. Buses that operate in traffic conditions where frequent starting and stopping occur tend to have noisier brakes. While the noise can be considered annoying, it does not indicate a malfunctioning brake. This brake noise cannot be eliminated by increased or improved maintenance. However, New York City Transit continues to working closely with brake manufacturers to develop non-asbestos linings that meet our operating requirements and are quieter as they wear.

Q: How come some "guide-a-ride" schedule listings at bus stops have fallen to the ground or are in disrepair,
specifically at 125/8th Avenue, 145th/B'way on the M19 eastbound, and on the 125th St. crosstown service.

A: The fallen guide-a-ride signs at 125/8th uptown, 145th/B'way on the M19 eastbound have been fixed as of July 10.

Our Operations Planning Department is also looking into the reported absence of signage on 125th Street crosstown service. Please note that beyond Broadway, it is possible that the Bx15 on 125th Street may not have Guide-A-Rides on the westbound side, as typically none are installed at the last three stops of a route.

Q: What is the MTA doing to "green" the fleet of buses acquired by the MTA from the city, which now makes up the MTA Bus Company?

A: Upon acquisition of the fleet, which included many old, high-pollutant buses, we moved immediately to create the greenest possible fleet. To date, we have 150 diesel-electric hybrid buses in service, with another 134 on the way. We also have 301 compressed natural gas buses on the roads. The remainder of the fleet, 854 buses, has been upgraded to run on Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel. We are committed to making this fleet even greener, and make progress each month.

MTA Executive Director and CEO Elliot Sander on The Brian Lehrer Show

Posted by leboheme at 01:42 PM

Report on Iraq Progress Shows Mixed Results (NY Times/AP)

CIA Said Instability Seemed 'Irreversible' (Washington Post)

Risk of Terror Strike Grows (LA Times)

Ex-Officials Tell of Conflict Over Science and Politics (NY Times)

Some Chronically Ill Adults Wait for Medicare (NY Times)

Shift in Health-Cost Focus Is Said to Show Promise (NY Times)

China Not Sole Source of Dubious Food (NY Times)

Lady Bird Johnson Dies at 94 (Austin American-Statesman)

For Parking Space, the Price Is Right at $225,000 (NY Times)

Albany, New Poll Clog Conge$tion (NY Post)

Activists Revive Idea of Blending Students From City, Suburbs (NY Sun)

Think It's Hot Now...Wait Until 2099 (NY Daily News)

Part-Time Looks Fine To Working Mothers (Washington Post)

Cupcake Ache For Top Shop (NY Post)

Posted by leboheme at 11:40 AM

William C. Rhoden, New York Times sportswriter, columnist and author of "Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete," poses outside the Brian Lehrer studio after discussing Barry Bonds, steriod use and the presence of a racial double standard in baseball. July 11, 2007.

Posted by Seamus at 12:51 PM

Radio Rookies producer Melissa Robbins describes the difficulties facing immigrant teenagers in the United States on the Brian Lehrer show, 7/10/07

Posted by Seamus at 12:48 PM

Chris Morrow, co-author with Russell Simmons of Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success, listens to a caller discussing modern spirituality on the Brian Lehrer show, 7/10/07.

Posted by Seamus at 12:46 PM

Bobby Ghosh, Baghdad bureau chief for TIME magazine, talks about his experiences covering the war in Iraq on the Brian Lehrer show, 7/10/07.

Posted by Seamus at 12:45 PM

As War Enters Classrooms, Fear Grips Afghans (NY Times)

A State Finds No Easy Fixes on Health Care (NY Times)

Doctors Balk at Cancer Ad, Citing Lack of Evidence (NY Times)

Bush Plans To Stress Next Phase In Iraq War (Washington Post)

Gonzales Was Told of FBI Violations (Washington Post)

Bloomberg Rethinks Cross Harbor Tunnel (NY Daily News)

Respite for Starrett City as Feds Ax $1.3B Buy Bid (NY Daily News)

International Urban Whiz Would Ban Cars In Times Square (NY Daily News)

Butts Kicked Off Building (NY Post)

Young Women Swoon As Jane Says Goodbye (NY Sun)

Religious Bonds Divide Some Parents, Kids (USA Today)

Chinese Cat Lovers Block Restaurant Delivery (USA Today/AP)

Posted by leboheme at 10:30 AM

Reverend Stephen Paul Bowman, Bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, discusses faith and diversity on the Brian Lehrer Show, 7/9/07.

Posted by Seamus at 01:31 PM

White House Debate Rises on Iraq Pullback (NY Times)

Voters Excited Over '08 Campaign; Tired of It, Too (NY Times)

A Battle Over Expansion of Children's Insurance (NY Times)

Bush Denies Congress Access to Aides (Washington Post/AP)

Edging Away From Inner Circle, Pelosi Asserts Authority (Washington Post)

Job Vacancies At DHS Said To Hurt U.S. Preparedness (Washington Post)

McConnell in Tough Spot on Hill, in Ky. (USA Today)

Gov Aides Fished For Bruno Busters (NY Post)

Pa. Awakes To Partial State Shutdown (USA Today)

Recycled Roads The Next Eco-Logical Step (NY Post)

City Lags in Volunteerism, Study Finds (NY Sun)

Gotta Go? Whiz Biz A N.Y. Relief (NY Daily News)

Posted by leboheme at 10:58 AM

Lisa Ramaci, widow of the former journalist Steven Vincent, who was killed in Iraq, tells Brian what drove her husband to cover the war on the Brian Lehrer show, 7/6/07.

Posted by Seamus at 01:16 PM

Nour Al-Khal, Iraqi translator for slain journalist Steven VIncent, describes her first impressions as a refugee in New York on the Brian Lehrer show, 7/6/07.

Posted by Seamus at 01:15 PM

Dr. Oliver Fein, chair of the New York Metro chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program, explains the merits of a single payer health care system on the Brian Lehrer Show, 7/6/07.

Posted by Seamus at 01:14 PM

Errant Afghan Civilian Deaths Surge (LA Times)

Bin Laden's Deputy Exhorts Muslims in Iraq to Coalesce (Washington Post)

G.O.P. Support for Iraq Policy Erodes Further (NY Times)

Indian Doctors Fear Bomb Plot Backlash (Washington Post)

US Recalls 3 More Chinese Kids Products (Washington Post/AP)

Hurricane Center In Eye of Own Storm (Reuters)

Federal Court Dismisses Domestic Spying Lawsuit (NY Times/AP)

Men Talk As Much As Women, Study Finds (LA Times)

Bloomberg on Stage, Harsher Light on Giuliani (Washington Post)

Under Congest Plan, Driving Still Cheaper Than Bus (NY Daily News)

Manhole Fires Spark New York City Power Outages (Newsday)

Posted by leboheme at 12:40 PM

Jen Chung, editor of Gothamist.com, joins The Brian Lehrer Show on Thursdays in July to discuss New York politics, culture and everyday life.

Posted by Seamus at 02:29 PM

A Decision Made Largely Alone (Washington Post)

Commutation Doesn't Equal a Full Pardon (NY Times)

Medical Workers Emerge as Focus in British Inquiry (NY Times)

Iraq Cabinet OKs Legislation On How To Divide Nation's Oil Wealth (LA Times)

Exiled Tycoon Says Russia Claims That He Is Inciting Coup (NY Times)

Oil Spill Adds To Misery Of Plains Flood Victims (USA Today)

Newark's Mayor Battles Old Guard and Rumors (NY Times)

Wall St. Fuels Run In Apt. Sales (NY Post)

New Priorities, New Jobs For NYC Transit Officials (NY Daily News)

Beverly Sills, 1929-2007 (Gothamist)

Posted by leboheme at 01:16 PM

Barbara Bloemink, one of the curators for Design Life Now, the national design triennial at the Cooper Hewitt through July 29th, discusses the role of design in everyday life on the Brian Lehrer show, 7/3/07.

Posted by Seamus at 12:18 PM

Young screenwriter Tiara Bennet discusses her experiences working with a Hollywood director due to Scenarios USA on the Brian Lehrer Show, 7/2/07.

Posted by Seamus at 12:23 PM