Cityscape

We’re all familiar with the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle.” But, for some people, that goes far beyond just separating their trash into paper, plastic and glass. On this week’s Cityscape, we’re talking with people who keep New York City’s history and character alive by turning the old into something new, including an artist who turns newspaper bins into aquariums and police barricades into tables. 

We couldn't find a time-traveling portal to take us back to 19th century New York City, so we did the next best thing.  On this week's Cityscape, we're talking with New Yorkers who incorporate the 19th century into their modern-day lives.

Late 19th century New York City was not the city we know and love today. In 1895, when Theodore Roosevelt began his stint as police commissioner, corruption was rampant, and the city was teeming with prostitutes and gambling joints.  On this week's show, we’re looking back on those sin-loving days in New York City, with the author of a new book called Island of Vice.  We'll also hear about opportunities to walk the same floor boards as those who came before us from the Executive Director of the Historic House Trust of New York City.

St. Patrick's Day is a big deal in New York City. Even people who don't have a drop of Irish blood in their veins wear green and celebrate the day. On this week's Cityscape, we're getting into the spirit of the Irish with an exploration of Irish history and culture in New York City.

The subject of bullying frequently dominates the headlines, but coming up on Monday, March 19th, the issue will take center stage on Broadway. A non-profit organization called What’s the Benefit has created a fantasy-rock musical that explores the effects of bullying. The one-night only performance will benefit Operation Respect, an anti-bullying group founded by Peter Yarrow of Peter Paul and Mary fame.

Over the last few weeks, and continuing through mid-March, WFUV has been giving animals a voice – by showcasing organizations that work to care for and protect animals in public service announcements. And this week, we're featuring a series of special reports on animal welfare in our daily newscasts. On this week's Cityscape, we’re continuing our coverage of animal welfare issues. Our program includes a look at efforts to reduce New York City's feral cat population, as well as a peek inside a pet food pantry in Westchester County.

We've all heard the saying "birds of a feather flock together" -- meaning people of similar tastes hang out with each other. On this week's Cityscape, we catch up with "birds of a feather" groups in New York City, including a ukulele meetup and a juggling club. We'll also talk with a psychiatrist to get a better understanding of what drives the "birds of a feather" mentality.

New York City’s saturated with advertisements. They’re on buses, in the subways, atop taxis, and along highways. But, it’s not the newest Calvin Klein ad that catches the attention of acclaimed photographer and urban documentarian Frank Jump. He likes to document so-called ghost signs in the city. These ads from a bygone era are visible, but often overlooked -- and for Jump, they’re also a metaphor for his own long survival with HIV. Several of Jump’s photographs are included in a new book called Fading Ads of New York City. Jump is our guest on this week's Cityscape.

We’ve all come across bad manners in our lifetime, the straphanger who spits in front of us on the subway platform – the man or woman who cuts into the line at the deli. But, while it’s easy to spot bad manners, it’s harder to recognize good manners in today’s fast-paced, digital society. In his book, Would It Kill You to Stop Doing That?: A Modern Guide to Manners, author Henry Alford aims to find out what good manners look like in an era of constantly beeping cell phones and live-tweeting. Alford's our guest on this week's on Cityscape.

A lot of songs have been written over the years about work. From Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 to The Who’s The Dirty Jobs to Rose Royce’s Car Wash. Veteran Bronx defense attorney Elliott Shapiro writes songs about work. In fact, he’s penned a number of tunes that reflect his more than 40-year-legal career. He joined Cityscape Host George Bodarky in WFUV’s very own Studio A to perform some of his songs and talk about life in the courthouse.