Underreported from WNYC's The Leonard Lopate Show

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Underreported: The Prophet of Garbage Feb 15, 2007

Show notes

Science journalist Michael Behar tells us how a machine known as a Plasma Converter can turn the vilest trash into clean energy. Michael Behar's new article "The Prophet of Garbage" will be appearing in Popular Science.

Underreported: Flipping the Coin Feb 08, 2007

Show notes

On Feb. 15, the U.S. Mint will release its latest edition of U.S. currency: a new series of one-dollar presidential coins. But one-dollar coins have never really caught on in the US. What will it take to make Americans accept one-dollar coins? Also: should the penny be abolished?
Leonard talks to Douglas Mudd, curator of the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum and author of the book All the Money in the World; and Austan Goolsbee, a professor of economics with the University of Chicago.

Underreported: Uncontacted Tribes Who Choose to Remain Separate Feb 08, 2007

Show notes

There are an estimated 107 tribes living in remote areas worldwide who have little to no contact with the rest of the world. Most remain separate because they choose to. Jonathan Mazower of Survival International looks into why they don't want contact, and how they're faring in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Underreported: Tortilla Wars Feb 01, 2007

Show notes

The price of tortillas in Mexico recently shot up by more than 50% in some regions. That’s in part because a single company owns 70% of the tortilla and cornmeal market there. And one communications firm owns 94% of landlines in Mexico. Leonard talks to Professor George Grayson, a Mexico expert at the College of William and Mary. And Sara Miller Llana of the Christian Science Monitor joins us from Mexico City to explain big business’s tight grip on the Mexican economy, and why President Calderon may have to take action soon.

Underreported: Calderon’s Crackdowns Feb 01, 2007

Show notes

Police in Tijuana recently had their guns confiscated and were issued slingshots instead as part of President Felipe Calderon’s new crackdown on drug gangs. We’ll look into President Felipe Calderon’s policies since taking office, and how they’re affecting his popularity in Mexico. Leonard talks to Maureen Meyer of the Washington Office on Latin America.

Underreported: How Clean is New York City's Drinking Water? Jan 18, 2007

Show notes

After hearing about the everyday substances that collect in our water supplies, you may be wondering whether it is safe to drink New York City tap water. We ask Eric Goldstein of the Natural Resources Defense Council how clean our drinking water is.

To get the latest information on your state's water quality, visit the EPA's website here.

Underreported: Hand Soap in Lakes and Streams Jan 18, 2007

Show notes

As American consumers have embraced antibacterial hand soap, compounds in the soap have been building up in lakes and streams around the US. Dr. Rolf Halden of Johns Hopkins studies the distribution of antibacterial soap products in natural waters, and talks about how the buildup might affect the health of humans, animals, and the environment.

Underreported: Do Jets Contribute to Climate Change? Jan 04, 2007

Show notes

Coat sales are dismal. Blooming azaleas have been spotted in Central Park. Dr. David Travis, a climatologist at the University of Wisconsin, looks at whether jets and the condensation trails they leave behind are contributing to climate change.

Underreported: Beijing to Tibet Railway Jan 04, 2007

Show notes

China's train from Beijing to Tibet made its maiden voyage six months ago, as part of the ambitious Chinese plan to develop its western provinces. Since then, it's attracted throngs of migrant workers and tourists to Lhasa. Critics say the train also disrupts Tibet's culture and threatens its fragile environment. Thomas Laird and Lila Buckley talk about the pros and cons of the train. Mr. Laird was the Nepal correspondent for Asiaweek for a decade. Ms. Buckley is Beijing correspondent for China Watch; she's just returned from a trip on the Beijing-Tibet train.

The Story of Tibet is available for purchase at amazon.com

Into Tibet: The CIA's First Atomic Spy is available for purchase at amazon.com