WFUV's Cityscape

Every Saturday morning, WFUV's Cityscape explores New York City in new and unique ways. We journey to fascinating places, like deep below Grand Central Terminal, and we meet interesting people, like a singing sanitation worker. But, we can't do any of it without listener support. Join us for Cityscape this Saturday morning for our usual exploration of the Big Apple, and to do your part for commercial-free, member-supported public radio, WFUV.

New York City is a veritable feast for all senses. From its skyscrapers – to its street food – to its musical performances – there’s so much to see, hear, taste, smell and touch in the Big Apple. In fact, tourists often describe a visit here in two words -- "sensory overload." On this week's Cityscape, we’re exploring the five senses in a whole host of ways.

New York City is known for doing things big – from its New Year’s Eve celebration to its Thanksgiving Day parade. So, perhaps it should come as no surprise that the city is home to several world record breakers, including the man who holds the world record for holding the most world records. On this week's Cityscape, we're talking with world record breakers who call New York City home.

If you want to transport yourself to a place much more exotic or mysterious than New York City, you can most certainly achieve that goal through an expensive vacation. But, another way to immerse yourself in a foreign land is through a good book. From the state of independent booksellers to a Manhattan hotel with a library theme, this week's Cityscape is all about books.

A lot people will stay up late to celebrate the New Year in all sorts of ways, including by watching the ball drop in Times Square. But New Year’s celebrations weren’t always as we know them today. On this week's Cityscape we’ll talk about the history of the Times Square ball drop and learn about 19th century New Year’s traditions. We’ll also take a look back at some great music writing with The New Yorker critic Alex Ross.

From the tree at Rockefeller Center to the elaborate department store holiday window displays, Christmastime in New York City is a big deal. And it’s been a big deal here for a long time. On this week's Cityscape, we're looking back at Christmases past in New York City, and exploring the origins of some of the city’s long standing holiday traditions.

From the astrological map on the ceiling of Grand Central Terminal to the Empire State Building, New Yorkers have many reasons to look up. But, on this week’s Cityscape, we’re peering down. We’ll look into the history and art of manhole covers, as well as check out the artwork within the New York City subway system.

The Bronx is bursting with Latin flavor. In fact, according to the 2010 census, Hispanics make up 53.5% of the borough's population, up from just over 43% a decade ago. On this week's Cityscape, we're exploring Latino history and culture in the Bronx.

New Yorkers are known for being blunt -- they’re not afraid to speak their minds or express an opinion -- whether it be about the weather or world politics. On this week's Cityscape, we’ll delve into two new books that tap into the wisdom of some of the city’s most noteworthy residents.

Food writer, award-winning cooking instructor, former chef and New York City resident Michael Krondl talks about his new book Sweet Invention: A History of Dessert.