On Demand
The Leonard Lopate Show Archive
June 2004
O Canada!
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Guest host Sarah Crichton fills in for Leonard today. In honor of Canada Day on July 1st and the Canadian general elections on June 28th, we’ll talk to Pamela Wallin, the Canadian Consul General to New York. Then Dr. Jonathan Edlow talks about the strange history of Lyme disease. We’ll hear from participants in the first Israeli hip hop concert in NY, and we’ll talk to author Mia Yun about her new novel Translations of Beauty.
Taking it to the Streets
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Guest host Marty Goldensohn sits in for Leonard today. We talk to Tom Hayden about the positive effects that street gangs can have on their communities, and former narcotics detective Robert Leuci recalls his experiences on the streets of New York in the 1960s and 1970s. We’ll hear about how a Benedictine monk became a mentor and a friend to comedian Tony Hendra, and filmmakers Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman discuss the worldwide water crisis portrayed in their new documentary Thirst.
The Great American Pastime
Monday, June 28, 2004
Larry Flynt has gained notoriety as an outspoken, controversial pornographer. Apart from publishing Hustler, he has won Supreme Court cases arguing in favor of the First Amendment. His new book looks at how freedom of speech and sexuality relate to politics and democracy. Then, Mindy Fullilove describes how urban renewal programs have destroyed African American communities by destroying neighborhoods and "emotional ecosystems." And authors Donald Dewey and Nicholas Acocella uncover the truth behind the scandal surrounding one of baseball’s earliest stars. Finally, Maria Janis Cooper and John Mulholland discuss Gary Cooper’s classic portrayal of Lou Gehrig in The Pride of the Yankees.
Fifty Years Later...
Friday, June 25, 2004
The Montgomery, AL bus boycott began nearly fifty years ago, in 1955 - how far has black America come since the Civil Rights movement? Scholar and author Henry Louis Gates, Jr., has spoken with people across the country to gauge their feelings on African-American progress. Then, novelist Jim Harrison on his latest, True North, set in his native Michigan. And a look at the history of the chess queen – it’s the only female piece in the game, yet it’s the most powerful.
Dinars, Dirhams, Riyals, Syrian Pounds...
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Arab traders and Arab currencies once dominated the global economy, but ever since its peak in the 15th century, the pan-Arab economy hasn’t been doing very well overall. Journalist Stephen Glain looks at the economic history of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq and Egypt. Then, some concrete evidence of global warming – disappearing Pacific islands, melting Alaska permafrost, and rising temperatures in England. Plus a conversation about the scarcity of good artists’ studio space in New York City. And Kent Haruf’s new novel, Eventide.
Locked Up
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
The United States locks away 6 to 10 times more people than other Western societies. Why are so many Americans in prison, and should the government be promoting other solutions over imprisonment? Journalist Alan Elsner looks at the U.S. prison system from the inside out. Then, Ben Cohen (of Ben & Jerry’s) shares some tips for effective political involvement in the months leading up to the 2004 presidential elections. Barry Lopez on his new short story collection, Resistance. And a look at the latest in Brazilian cinema with director Joel Zito Araujo and Jytte Jensen, curator of MoMA’s "Premiere Brazil!" series, opening tonight at the Film Forum. They'll be joined by Milton Goncalves, a well-known actor in Brazil who stars in "Daughters of the Wind."
Lincoln: My Hero!
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
The Rail Splitter is more than a relic. Former New York governor Mario Cuomo names Abraham Lincoln as one of his heroes, and he thinks that Lincoln’s legacy is as relevant as ever. Then, three former UN peacekeepers tell what it’s like to live and work in war zones like Cambodia, Bosnia, and Rwanda. (There are more sex and drugs than you might expect.) Martin Clark on his second novel, Plain Heathen Mischief. And a look at Farmingville, a new documentary about immigrant Mexican day workers in a small Long Island community.
Foul Shot
Monday, June 21, 2004
Underneath its glamour and athleticism, the NBA may foster a culture of violence, especially towards women. Jeff Benedict, an expert on crimes by athletes, has done a lot of research into the criminal histories of 177 NBA players from the 2001–2002 season. Then, a former embedded journalist and two ex-Marines on the characteristics of the newest generation of American soldiers, now fighting in Iraq. Dancer/choreographer Frederic Franklin celebrates his 90th birthday with the American Ballet Theatre. And David Bezmozgis on his new short story collection, Natasha.
The Great Divide
Friday, June 18, 2004
Pollster Stanley Greenberg breaks down the Democratic/Republican divide in the U.S. into identifiable factions - "F-You Boys," "Super-Educated Women," and "Privileged Men," to name a few – and shares his hopes for an end to the deadlock. Then, a look at how Funny Cide shocked the horseracing world by winning both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness in 2003. And linguistics professor Geoffrey Nunberg explains how words like "blog" and the mispronunciation "nucular" became common, and what they tell us about American culture.
Life After Star Wars
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Today we take a look at the darker side of Ronald Reagan’s legacy. According to veteran journalist T.D. Allman, Reagan’s "Star Wars" mindset paved the way for current struggles against terrorism, both at home and abroad. Then Ofra Bikel, director of Frontline’s documentary, The Plea, on why plea bargains endanger the constitutional rights of defendants, who may be pressured to admit their guilt whether they're guilty or not. And Helen Fielding shares her latest novel.
Holding Out for Hope
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Call 212-267-WNYC to talk about words and language with word maven Patricia T. O'Conner. Then, Yossi Beilin, one of the architects of the 1993 Oslo accords, still has hope for the future of Israeli-Palestinian diplomatic relations. Plus, we take a look at the history of Times Square, from theater central to porn capital to recent complaints of its "Disneyification." And curator Andrea Bayer talks about naturalistic painters in the north Italian region of Lombardy, including da Vinci and Caravaggio.
The Fourth Column
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Television industry insiders predicted there would never be a fourth network competing in the ranks of CBS, NBC, and ABC. The FOX Network proved them wrong: it’s now often referred to as one of "the Big Four." Then, investigative journalists Debbie Bookchin and Jim Schumacher talk about charges that certain rare cancers popping up today may have been caused by polio vaccines back in the 1950s and 1960s. We take a look at some hidden treasure in Russia – meticulously carved amber panels, stolen by the Nazis in 1941 during the siege of Leningrad. No one has seen them since. And Frank McCourt, Marian Seldes, and Isaiah Sheffer celebrate the literary legacy of James Joyce.
Money Troubles
Monday, June 14, 2004
The 2004 budget deficit will be the highest in U.S. history; tax increases, accounting tricks, and quick fixes won’t be enough to take care of the problem. Political consultant David Osborne has some better ideas. Then, a look at the American response to the global AIDS crisis. Plus math professor Nassim Nicholas Taleb examines the concept of randomness - is Russian roulette really as random as it seems? And Grady Hendrix and Daniel Eagan talk about the latest and greatest films from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand.
Bushes and Sauds
Friday, June 11, 2004
In the 1970s, the House of Saud (which includes members of Osama bin Laden's immediate family) began courting American politicians in a bid for political influence, military protection, and investment opportunity for their rich oil resources. Journalist Craig Unger looks into the ties between the Bushes and the Saudis. Then, writer/director Michael Pressman and his wife, Lisa Chess, on their new Hollywood-insider romantic comedy, "Frankie and Johnny Are Married." And we celebrate Broadway’s golden age with director Rick McKay and Broadway star Tommy Tune.
The Plame Game
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Shortly after Ambassador Joseph Wilson expressed doubts about Bush's claim that Iraq tried to buy uranium from Niger, someone leaked the fact that Wilson’s wife, Valerie Plame, was a CIA operative. Ambassador Wilson is here to talk about the organized smear campaign he claims the Bush administration plotted against him and his wife. Then, a discussion with Univision anchor Jorge Ramos on the importance of the Hispanic vote in the 2004 elections. Comedian and TV star George Lopez looks back on his life. And Jody Williams is back from a long, self-imposed hiatus with a new album, "You Left Me in the Dark."
Get a Divorce
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
The gurus of how-to, Alvin and Larry Ubell, answer your home repair questions. Then, studies show that there is such a thing as a good divorce – and children can even benefit from it. Divorce expert Constance Ahrons explains more. Former Saturday Night Live cast member Jay Mohr describes the panic attacks he experienced on the set. And a look at Hari Kunzru’s new novel, Transmission.
Homeland Security
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Not many people know much about America’s immigration prison system run by Homeland Security (formerly the INS), but journalist Mark Dow has gone behind the scenes to some of its holding facilities. He talks about the charges that beatings, racism, and psychological torture are all part of the everyday experiences of some detainees. Then Joan Blades of MoveOn.org explains what she’s been doing to get people to vote Democratic in the upcoming 2004 elections. Novelist/memoirist Kathryn Harrison talks about her complex relationship with her mother. And a discussion with cabaret singer Karen Akers.
Chaos in Congo
Monday, June 07, 2004
Since last week, when UN rebel factions seized the eastern Congo town of Bukavu, rioting has swept the country – most of it aimed at the UN peacekeepers who were unable to prevent Bukavu's capture. Journalist Bryan Mealer and former UN worker Alinka Konrad talk about the UN’s reaction, and how current President Joseph Kabila can keep the peace process going after the country’s devastating 5-year civil war. Then actor/author Gene Hackman and his co-author, Daniel Lenihan, talk about their latest venture into novel-writing. Plus, a conversation with three young chefs who are on their way to becoming celebrity chefs. And Edna Buchanan shares her latest suspense novel, Cold Case Squad.
Toot Your Own Horn
Friday, June 04, 2004
South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela’s recording "Grazing in the Grass" hit number one worldwide in 1968, and he hasn’t slowed down since. He’s recorded 40 albums; played with Bob Marley; was part of Fela Kuti’s Afropop explosion in Lagos, Nigeria; was part of Paul Simon’s Graceland tour; and organized the Rumble in the Jungle concert in Zaire in 1974. He’s also been a vocal AIDS activist. Those are just a few of the things he’s done in the last 40 years. Plus, a conversation with James Lilley, who was the U.S. ambassador to China at the time of the Tiananmen Square massacre, 15 years ago today. He’ll talk about Sino-U.S. relations in the 20th century from an insider’s perspective.
Media Moguls
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Michael Wolff looks into the psychology behind some of media’s biggest moguls, including Barry Diller, Rupert Murdoch, Michael Eisner, and even mogul-turned-mayor Michael Bloomberg. Then, corporations and marketers are increasingly targeting kids. Psychologist Susan Linn explains why she thinks this is hurting American children by exposing them to more sex, violence, and junk food than ever before. And New Orleans legend Dr. John talks about his new album, "N’Awlinz: Dis, Dat or D’Udda."
The American Project
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
The situation in Iraq is looking troublesome, but for Walter Russell Mead, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, hope is not lost. He thinks that eventually the U.S. will spread democracy and economic and political freedom to the Middle East, and in fact to the rest of the world. Then historian Gordon Wood traces Benjamin Franklin’s path from loyal British subject to radical American. Plus, David Sedaris is back with his latest essay collection – this one is called Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. And a discussion about Byzantine art and civilization, from 1261 to 1557.
School Food
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
American children are getting fatter and fatter, and studies show that it’s having an adverse effect on their performance in school. Alice Waters of Chez Panisse is trying to revolutionize school cafeteria food, and she’s here along with Gourmet magazine’s Ruth Reichl to talk about how to replace the junk food and sodas with healthier, fresher fare. Then a discussion on why the sex urge is as much about economics as it is about the drive to reproduce. Plus, James Frey talks about the agony of drug addiction, detox, and withdrawal. And writer Alison Rose on her years at the New Yorker and Vogue.
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