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The Leonard Lopate Show Archive
December 2004
Time After Time
Friday, December 31, 2004
This New Years Eve we look back on the events of the past year, and make predictions for the year ahead. Daniel Franklin from The Economist joins us with some forecasts for The World in 2005. Then, two-time Heavy Weight Champion of the World George Foreman celebrates the art of grilling with his latest cookbook: Indoor Grilling Made Easy. And Stephen Mitchell tells us about his new translation of what may be the oldest written story in the world—the Ancient Sumerian text Gilgamesh. Finally, for our weekly Please Explain feature, we tackle the measurement of time. Thomas O'Brian, chief of the Time and Frequency Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, helps demystify everything from time zones to leap years and daylight savings.
Courting Change
Thursday, December 30, 2004
As part of our weekly Underreported series, we check in with Atossa Soltani, the Founder and Director of Amazon Watch, for an update on the struggles to balance environmental preservation and the development of natural resources in the Amazon. Then, we’ll talk to Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson and Deputy Chief Pius Langa, who have been instrumental in shaping South Africa’s Constitutional Court. The Court was created after the country’s first democratic elections 10 years ago, and has since earned international respect for its profound commitment to protecting human rights, and for its role in supporting South Africa’s transition into a democratic society. Next, Jacob Slichter relates the lessons he learned from making it as a drummer for the rock band Semisonic, in So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star. And former gang member and ex-con Richard Marinick revisits the dark underworld of South Boston in his first work of fiction, the crime novel Boyos.
Measure for Measure
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Gary Stangler and Giselle John reveal what happens when children age out of the foster care system with a new book: On Their Own. Then, Shakespeare scholar Stephen Greenblatt fleshes out the life of the Bard in his latest work, Will in the World. Director Michael Radford discusses his latest film—a new adaptation of The Merchant of Venice. And Pat Conroy, author of The Great Santini and The Prince of Tides, reminisces about the role certain foods have played throughout his life: The Pat Conroy Cookbook: Recipes of My Life.
The Forest for the Trees
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Anatol Lieven takes a hard look at American nationalism, and some of its darker side effects, in America Right or Wrong. Then, Seth Mnookin examines the scandals that have recently plagued The New York Times, and analyzes what they mean for America’s media in his new book, Hard News. David Suzuki has co-authored the unusual biography Tree: A Life Story. Focusing on one Douglas Fir, the book explores how trees develop, and the impact they have on their surroundings. Seth Kantner shares his first novel, Ordinary Wolves, which is set in the harsh environment of the Alaska wilderness.
Personal History
Monday, December 27, 2004
Sakeena Yacoobi is the winner of the 2004 Women’s Rights Prize from the Peter Gruber Foundation. She joins us to discuss her work as President and founder of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL). The AIL provides more than 350,000 Afghan women and children with education, health care, and human rights training annually. Then, Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk on his latest book, Snow. The book is set in a remote Turkish village against the backdrop of religious, political, and deeply personal tensions. And Cynthia Ozick discusses her new novel, Heir to the Glimmering World, set in the rough and tumble world of the Depression-era Bronx. Finally, Tara Bray Smith examines her troubled relationship with her mother, and her ties to Hawaii, in her memoir: West of Then: A Mother, A Daughter, and a Journey Past Paradise.
Holiday Spirit
Friday, December 24, 2004
Leonard Lopate celebrates the Golden Age of Gospel by playing and narrating some of his favorite recordings in his annual, hour-long Christmas Gospel Special. Then, according to tradition, the first Christmas carol was sung 2,000 years ago by a choir of angels to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Ronald Clancy has been collecting and studying Christmas music for the past 20 years, and joins us for a look at its evolution over the centuries, from 13th Century carols to modern classics. And in our weekly Please Explain feature, we’ll focus on the history of Christmas, from how it came to be celebrated on December 25th, to the traditions behind Revels celebrations.
Come Rain or Come Shine
Thursday, December 23, 2004
In this week's Underreported series, we examine the ecological fallout of Australia's ubiquitous pest, the canetoad. These transplanted creatures have been taking over the Eastern countryside for nearly six decades, and now they are closing in on Northern Australia. Next, Zachary Carter, formerly the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, discusses the legal issues pertaining to reporters protecting their sources. Then, jazz pianist and singer Barbara Carroll pays tribute to her friend and colleague, Harold Arlen. And Wallace Shawn and Deborah Eisenberg, a contributor, discuss Shawn's one-issue-only political magazine, Final Edition.
Seasons Greenings
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Gerard Lordahl, director of the Open Space Greening Program, advises listeners on how to on how to keep plants thriving all winter long. And he’ll tackle some specific holiday plant issues—like what do you do with a poinsettia, anyway? Chef Thomas Keller of Per Se expounds on the virtues of simple, though meticulously prepared, bistro cooking in a new book: Bouchon. And Eli Goldensohn elaborates on the revelations contained in the interviews that his brother Leon, an army psychiatrist, conducted with German defendants at Nuremberg. Mr. Goldensohn is joined by Knopf editor Ashbel Green who helped turn the interviews into book form.
Keep on the Sunny Side
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut, who played for Betty Carter before forming his own trio, is known for his upbeat approach to jazz. He joins us today to play live from his latest album, You Are My Sunshine. And we'll talk to Red Grooms about his colorful and chaotic portrayals of life in New York. Then, journalist Naomi Schaeffer Riley discusses her investigation into life at religious colleges in America. She visited 20 campuses across America for her book God on the Quad, a look into the growing popularity and influence of religious schools.
Nuclear Security
Monday, December 20, 2004
The US-Russian pact governing the safeguarding of Russia's nuclear weapons expires in June 2006. What happens after that? The US and Russia still have nuclear weapons on hair-trigger status aimed at each other. We'll find out what's at stake, and look into why each side feels that keeping nuclear weapons in Cold War positions is justified. Then, Elizabeth Maxwell, Tory Walker, and Carol West share a collection of stories written by a group of writers at a soup kitchen workshop: Food for the Soul. And Steve Rivkin explains the impact brand names have on the products we buy: The Making of a Name.
In Search of...
Friday, December 17, 2004
Kevin Spacey discusses his reincarnation of Bobby Darin in the new film "Beyond the Sea." Then, Martin Kemp takes a close look at the many interests of Leonardo da Vinci, and attempts to unlock the motivations behind his work, in a new biography: Leonardo. Michael Lomonaco, who has served as executive chef at 21 Club and Windows on the World, pays tribute to the art of spontaneous cooking with Nightly Specials. And in our weekly Please Explain feature, we’ll explore the world of search engines: how do they work, and how are they evolving?
Transmitting Transition
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Last month Kabul's Supreme Court placed a ban on cable television in an attempt to clamp down on what it saw as an influx of offense images—from Charlton Heston’s portrayal of Moses in The Ten Commandments, to images of scantily clad dancers in Bollywood films. As Afghanistan transitions to a post-Taliban, democratic society, it must make tough decisions about how to adjust to a new media culture. In this week's Underreported series, we'll examine the state of broadcast media in Afghanistan, and explore role that radio and television are playing in Afghanistan’s efforts to redefine itself. Next, Robert McCrum studies the successes, frustrations, and controversies of the life of P.G. Wodehouse--the English humorist, writer, and radio broadcaster. Javier Bardem discusses his role in the new movie, "The Sea Inside," in which his character fights for 30 years for the right to end his life after a injury leaves him paralyzed. And legendary Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach and sportswriter John Feinstein relate several decades-worth of behind-the-scenes stories.
Jazz and Blues Legends
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Word maven Patricia T. (You Send Me) O'Conner explores the origins of festive seasonal words. Then, jazz scholar Joshua Berrett revisits the musical legacies of Louis Armstrong & Paul Whiteman in Two Kings of Jazz. And Rich Cohen examines the relationship between business and the blues in his history of Chess Records: Machers and Rockers. Finally, New York’s official foodie, Arthur Schwartz, offers an opinionated history of the city’s food.
Truth and Reconciliation
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Filmmaker Gillian Caldwell and South African human rights lawyer Howard Varney discuss the lasting effects of Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war, and the importance of creating historical accountability for the atrocities committed. Next, we talk to several ghostwriters about the adventures of documenting the stories of sports heroes. We’re joined by James Kaplan (who has worked with John McEnroe and Brad Gilbert), Charley Rosen (who wrote with Darryl Dawkins), and Dan Markowitz (who has worked with John Starks and Walt Frazier). Then, David Lang and Phil Kline re-imagine Handel with their Messiah Remix. Finally, Chip Kidd and Les Daniels look back at The Golden Age of DC Comics, from Superman to Wonder Woman and Batman.
Social Security
Monday, December 13, 2004
At the top of President Bush's 2005 list of legislative priorities is an overhaul of Social Security that would replace the current system with private savings accounts. Critics say this plan would dismantle the program's risk-free guarantee as set up in the New Deal. We’ll take a look at the history and future Social Security with FDR scholar William Leuchtenberg and Brookings Economist Henry Aaron. Next, George Kalinsky and Ron Delsener pay tribute to 125 years of history at Madison Square Garden: Garden of Dreams. And Phillip Lopate offers some insight on the photographs of Rudy Burckhardt—from his 1940’s New York streetscapes, to still lifes and portraits of artists in their studios. Finally, New Yorker staff writer Philip Gourevitch joins us for an update on the recent troubles at the United Nations.
When in Doubt
Friday, December 10, 2004
Playwright, screenwriter, and director John Patrick Shanley discusses some of his recent projects on Broadway. His current play, Doubt, explores what happens when a priest is suspected of molesting a student in a Catholic school in 1964. And actress Cherry Jones, who stars as a conflicted nun and teacher in Shanley’s Doubt, gives us her perspective on the play. Then, we hear from novelist Alan Hollinghurst, whose latest book The Line of Beauty, won the 2004 Booker Prize. Veteran producer Jerry Weintraub looks back at his work, from "Ocean’s 12," to "Nashville" and "Diner." Finally, in this week’s Please Explain feature we take an in-depth look at Hanukkah with Rabbi Joy Levitt and Professor Alan F. Segal.
Unfolding Tensions
Thursday, December 09, 2004
In this week's Underreported feature, we'll look into an unusual peace offering in Thailand. Last weekend, the Thai government dropped over one hundred million paper cranes in an effort to ease tensions in its southern Muslim region. Professor Tamara Loos, Assistant Professor of Southeast Asian History at Cornell University, and Thai journalist and Neiman fellow Thepchai Yong, offer some perspective on the situation. Then, Rosie Perez discusses her role in a revival of Craig Lucas's 1988 play Reckless. And Eve Ensler explores the ways women throughout the world feel they need to change their bodies in order to be considered attractive and acceptable in their respective societies in The Good Body. Finally, Anthony Calnek and Barbara Price join us for a discussion of the Guggenheim’s current exhibit on The Aztec Empire.
Moving Images
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Alvin and Larry Ubell, the self-appointed "Gurus of How-To," tackle the nuts and bolts of home repair. Call 212-267-9692 with your questions. Then, filmmakers Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman discuss what happened when children of prostitutes in Calcutta were given cameras to document their lives: "Born into Brothels". Next, two Magnum photographers, Steve McCurry and Alex Webb, discuss their approach to capturing stories on film. And Mike Leigh tells us about his latest film, "Vera Drake," in which the title character cleans houses for the wealthy, while secretly performing abortions on working class women in 1950s England.
Food and Festivity
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Ruth Reichl, editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine, responds to listener-inspired holiday cooking concerns—from how to prepare wild turkey, to how to find a good butter babka recipe. Then, brothers Brent and Craig Renaud film the experiences of the 39th Brigade of the Arkansas National Guard as it is deployed to Iraq in their documentary series Off to War. Nick Hornby delves into his compulsive reading habit in his latest book, Polysyllabic Spree. And high-profile caterer Serena Bass recounts some of the experiences and recipes she’s shared with clients like Nathan Lane and Bernadette Peters in Serena, Food & Stories: Feeding Friends Every Hour of the Day.
Dangerous Business
Monday, December 06, 2004
Filmmaker Michael Mann discusses his latest work, "Collateral," in which a contract killer hijacks a cab in what proves to be a very tense car chase. Then, Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan explore the importance of Willem de Kooning’s paintings to American art, from abstract expressionism to WPA murals, in An American Master. Masha Hamilton joins us with her latest novel, The Distance Between Us. The book follows the struggles of an investigative journalist as she tries to remain objective after violence in the Middle East results in the death of a colleague and lover. And Arthur Herman argues that the British Royal Navy set the stage for today’s modern global order in To Rule the Waves.
Working for Change
Friday, December 03, 2004
Barbara Ehrenreich, essayist and author of Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, gives us an update on the state of America’s working poor. Then, Anita Desai explores past and present cultural identities through the lens of a historian’s visit to a Mexican mining town in her latest novel, The Zigzag Way. Thai Jones reconstructs the compelling, and sometimes disturbing, development of his family’s political convictions in A Radical Line: From the Labor Movement to the Weather Underground, One Family's Century of Conscience. And poets Paul Muldoon and Molly Peacock offer some insight on how to read a poem in this week’s Please Explain feature.
Preserving the Past
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Roger Atwood sheds some light on illicit antiquities trading, from the market that supports it, to the damage it causes to archaeological sites, in Stealing History. Then, Robert Alter discusses his rigorous new translation of the Hebrew Bible: The Five Books of Moses. And internationally-acclaimed director Zhang Yimou, one of China’s most influential and controversial filmmakers, discusses his latest film: "House of Flying Daggers." Finally, avant-garde novelist Stephen Dixon talks about his latest novel, Old Friends, with his publisher Dennis Johnson.
Being Charlie Kaufman
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Screenwriter Charlie Kaufman ("Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "Adaptation," and "Being John Malkovich") joins us for a discussion of his unique approach to film. Next, Adam Gamble and Takesato Watanabe argue that circumstances that have led to media atrocities in Japan are now threatening journalism in the West: A Public Betrayed. And Pete Hamill revels in the tumultuous history of New York in his latest book, Downtown: My Manhattan.
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