When is a radio show about science and philosophy more than just a radio show about science and philosophy? When it's Radiolab. Because hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich are more than just two smart guys with microphones. Their radio show (and podcasts) sonically engage the listener with every word and every sound effect, weaving a heart-wrenching stories out of what, on paper, may look like incomprehensible research and dry facts. Add their witty banter, compelling soundscapes and revelations about the human mind, and you've got a guaranteed recipe for becoming so enthralled you completely miss your subway stop. If Congress needs a reason to keep giving NPR their funding, this is it. more ›

The WNYC "Radio Rookies" recently went on a search for the "Flushing Pimp," whom many have consistently seen on the streets in Queens throughout the years (he's even got a Facebook page dedicated to him). Their search took some dark turns, however, when they ultimately found out through his sister that he died, after battling spinal cancer, lung cancer and two brain tumors. He was also allegedly schizophrenic, which was triggered after his mom died when he was 19. So, while this isn't as whimsical as we'd hoped, it's sweet he's been given a posthumous tribute. more ›

In December, Governor Paterson floated the idea of an 18% tax non-diet soft drinks, as part of a plan to close the $3 billion budget gap and perhaps influence New Yorkers to choose healthier beverages. Then the beverage industry opened up a can of whoop-ass, and Paterson backed off, explaining that "often publicity is as important as legislation." Now, perhaps inspired by a 3 cent tax on soda being considered in Washington, Paterson has revived his own soda tax dreams. more ›

Today WNYC Radio celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Brian Lehrer Show. Lehrer will be hosting a special anniversary broadcast taking a look back to when it all began in 1989. more ›

Last Sunday Tom Mylan cut the tip of his finger while hustling to turn a 200-pound hog into pork tacos for hundreds of hungry hungry hipsters at 3rd Ward. WNYC was on hand to document the process from the beginning, and though they missed his dramatic injury, their video is still sickeningly fascinating. Or deliciously fascinating, if you're the kind of person who enjoys swine. more ›

The Great New York Times Company Fire Sale of 2009 continues this week as the media company announced Tuesday it has sold WQXR-FM, the last classical-only radio station in New York. In a deal worth $45 million, WNYC and Univision will take over operation of the station but won't change its format, pledging to continue its broadcast partnerships with the Philharmonic, Met, and Juilliard. What listeners are likely to notice is a change in WQXR's spot on the dial—105.9 will be the new home for the station. It's also going to be broadcasting a weaker signal, which will reach about 4.5 million fewer people. So, with its future a little more certain, now all WQXR has to do is find funding, and WNYC's already raising money on that front, having begun a campaign to pay for the station that concert pianist Emanuel Ax calls "the sonic equivalent of saving Carnegie Hall from the wrecker’s ball." more ›

The new home of WNYC might not be much to look at on the outside compared to its old perch at the iconic Municipal Building, but it's what's on the inside that counts. Since June, the station has been in its own space for the first time since 1922, only taking about eleven years from when it became independent of city ownership. Still the two and a half floors of former printing plant at 160 Varick Street, just a few blocks from the entrance to the Holland Tunnel in sort of a nebulous confluence of SoHo and TriBeCa which developers want to call Hudson Square, is a welcome change. more ›

While simultaneously seeking out new talent, WNYC is exploring the art of street photography through the eyes of six diverse photographers in their Street Shots series. One of them, 61-year-old Bruce Gilden, is more of a character than some of his subjects. He's been taking photos of strangers on the streets of Manhattan for decades, and he's becoming a little bored with the homogeneity of the passersby. See how his "in your face" approach goes over with his subjects: more ›

WNYC explores street photography through the eyes of six New Yorkers (including our own Jake Dobkin); they call the medium "a uniquely New York art form" that dates back to the days of Weegee the Famous. Weegee's site holds a quote from Naked City that sums it all up pretty well: "He will take his camera and ride off in search of new evidence that his city, even in her most drunken and disorderly and pathetic moments, is beautiful." more ›

While 30 Rock writers are on the picket line, Alec Baldwin is worried about his neighborhood.. And listening to the Brian Lehrer Show on WNYC. This morning, during a segment where Brian was discussing the future of NYC's streetscape with Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and the Open Planning Project's Mark Gorton, the acclaimed actor and gossip target made his debut as a caller. After joking that he needed a job, here's a transcription... more ›