Wfuv's Cityscape

For a lot of people, New York City is a place where dreams come true, but for some being in the Big Apple can be a nightmare. On this week’s Cityscape, we’re shedding light on human trafficking. According to the International Labour Organization, 24.9 million people are victims of forced labor, which includes forced sexual exploitation.

When it comes to the most famous clocks in the world, the one at Elizabeth Tower in London, commonly referred to as “Big Ben,” usually tops the list. But New York City is also home to historic clocks of note. On this week's Cityscape, we’re talking with the folks behind an organization called Save America’s Clocks. The non-profit is dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of all of America's public clocks. Here in New York, the group has been in a long standing battle to protect a 19th century clock atop 346 Broadway in Manhattan.

When thinking back to American history class, you might recall discussing the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War and the civil rights movement. At an early age, kids learn about the lives and stories of figures like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., but what about other events and influential figures in American history, specifically those involving the LGBTQ community? On this week's Cityscape, how one organization is working to train teachers to bring LGBTQ history into U.S. classrooms. We'll also talk with the creator and host of the Making Gay History podcast.

You can’t go a block in a city like New York without seeing someone walking a dog. Dogs are a big part of many people’s lives and families. So much so the city is now home to a cafe that’s literally gone to the dogs. This week's Cityscape is all about our canine companions, from a visit to New York City's first dog-friendly cafe to a breakdown of every dog registration in the city.

Just in time for the start of spring a new book is out focusing on New York City’s public gardens. It’s called City Green: Public Gardens of New York. Our guest this week is the author of City Green, Jane Garmey. Her book takes us on a tour of a wide variety of green spaces in New York City, from pocket gardens to more expansive ones.

New York City is constantly evolving. Businesses open and close. New buildings go up and old ones come down. But, if you look closely enough, in the midst of all this change, you’ll find remnants of the past. On this week's Cityscape, we'll hear how a Brooklyn-based photographer has found reflections of old New York at flea markets and other venues. Ray Simone joins us to talk about what he’s uncovered through retouching and restoring original camera negatives. We'll also talk with Ben Passikoff, author of The Writing on the Wall: Rediscovering New York City's "Ghost Signs". His book gives us a glimpse into the New York City of yesteryear through advertisements painted across the facades of buildings, some that date back more than 90 years.  

From becoming a foster parent to simply being a mentor, there are many ways to help foster children in need. Kids in foster care face a variety of challenges, especially older kids who face "aging out" of the system without knowing what they're next step will be. As part of WFUV's Strike a Chord campaign, we're teaming up with BronxNet TV, to present a special panel discussion on issues facing kids in foster care.

New Yorkers are known for pounding the pavement to get what they want. But, you can't pound the pavement without a good pair of shoes. On this week's Cityscape, we're talking to shoemakers and cobblers, including the third-generation owner of Jim's Shoe Repair in midtown Manhattan

In today’s digital age, dolls might not be the flashiest toy on the market, but they still hold a place in the hearts of kids and adult collectors alike. On this week’s Cityscape, we’re pushing Barbie aside, to focus on other dolls and their makers, including Robert Tonner, who’s company developed what’s said to be the world’s first transgender doll. We're also talking with a Bronx artist who's celebrated for doll creations that are more Tim Burton than Walt Disney.

If you spend any time in New York City, you no doubt have heard some Yiddish spoken on the street, or at least in the bagel shop. You may have heard someone say “I’ll take a bagel with a schmear,” for instance. On this week's Cityscape, we’re schmoozing with a couple of people with a rich knowledge of Yiddish language and culture: Kolya Borodulin, Director of Yiddish Programming for The Workmen's Circle and Edna Nahshon, Professor of Theater and Drama at The Jewish Theological Seminary. Nahshon is also the editor and author of several articles and books, including New York’s Yiddish Theater: From the Bowery to Broadway.

When Coss Marte went to prison in 2009, he was faced with not one, but two big challenges: lose weight and discover a legitimate career upon release. Luckily for him, overcoming the first obstacle helped him find the answer to the other. Marte, a former drug kingpin, is now helping others get into shape through his fitness company -- ConBody. ConBody markets a "prison style" boot camp based on Marte’s former prison workout routine. Ironically, his studio is located in the very same neighborhood on Manhattan’s Lower East Side where he used to sell drugs. In addition to running his fitness studio, Marte is now out with a new book called ConBody: The Revolutionary Bodyweight Prison Boot Camp, Born from an Extraordinary Story of Hope. Marte is our guest on this week's Cityscape.

Joe’s Pub in Manhattan is preparing to host a one-person show from NYC-based trans actor Becca Blackwell. They, Themself and Schmerm deals with sexuality, gender, family, identity and child abuse, all in what’s described as “laugh-out-loud fashion." Blackwell shares their personal story that led to the show's creation on this week’s Cityscape.

Rentals aren’t just for groomsmen in need of a tux or a parent who wants a cotton candy machine for a kid’s birthday party. In today’s day and age, you can pretty much rent anything, including paparazzi. On this week’s Cityscape we’re exploring things you can rent – from paparazzi to bridesmaids to chickens. That’s right chickens!

The world is chock full of hidden attractions, cool sights and unusual things, and if you know where to look, you'll find some of those wondrous discoveries in New York City. On this week's Cityscape, we'll pay a visit to a venue in the Nolita neighborhood of Manhattan that takes a page from ancient European catacombs. We'll also visit a cabinet of curiosities on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Obscura Antiques and Oddities at 207 Avenue A sells a wide variety of weird wares.

Is there is a doctor in the house? Well, that might be uncertain. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. will face a significant shortage of doctors in the next decade. Many of them, primary care physicians. Our guest this week is Neal Simon. He’s the president and co-founder of the American University of Antigua College of Medicine. Neal has made it his mission to help increase the supply of primary care doctors and break down the barriers that present underrepresented minorities from pursuing a career in medicine. Many of his school's graduates are working in the tri-state area.http://www.wfuv.org/cityscape

From Facebook to Instagram to Pinterest, social media sites are chock full of images and videos of cats. For a lot of people, their feline companions are their best friends, as independent as they may be. On this week’s Cityscape, how one New York City non-profit works to find homeless cats and kittens permanent, loving homes. Also, the story of how a lost cat re-defined life for a homeless man in Portland, Oregon. We'll talk with Britt Collins, author of Strays: A Lost Cat, A Homeless Man, and Their Journey Across America.

The Bronx is booming with development. New housing projects are sprouting up across the borough. But, in the midst of this change, you'll find remnants of the past that have stood the test of time. On this week's Cityscape, we're exploring two of the most historic homes in the Bronx -- the Van Cortlandt House and Poe Cottage.

Classrooms today look a lot different than they did even just 10 years ago. Smart boards have replaced chalkboards, and kids are more likely to use computers than spiral notebooks to take notes. Yet the importance of those in front of the classroom has remained constant. On this week's Cityscape, we're sitting down with Lynette Guastaferro, executive director of Teaching Matters. The organization works to make sure teachers in New York City public schools have the skills and tools they need to succeed in the classroom and drive school-wide improvement.

Every year more than 44,000 Americans die by suicide. On average, that's 121 suicides a day. That's according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. On this week's Cityscape, we're focusing in on efforts to prevent suicide.

Drug addiction can tear families apart. And it's something that knows no boundaries. The disease has reached epidemic levels across the United States. Join us for a special panel discussion on the issue produced at BronxNet Television, including: Doctor Melissa Stein, medical director of Montefiore's Division of Subtance Abuse Blain Namm with the non-profit organization Road Recovery Eve Goldberg, the founder of Big Vision Foundation