Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Voter ID Laws, the Truth about Andy Kaufman and Rating the Ratings
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Texas law that requires an ID to vote. We talk about that, and Andy Kaufman, who died 30 years ago. His former writing partner unravels the mysteries of the comedian’s life and death.
By Madeleine Brand • • 50m ListenThe U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Texas law that requires an ID to vote. Critics, including Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, say it will keep hundreds of thousands of voters away from the polls. Plus, It’s out with the swipe and in with the tap, as Apple Pay launches today. In our weekly TV segment, we talk about Neil Patrick Harris hosting the Oscars and the launch of NBC’s “Marry Me.” And a new book attempts to unravel the mysteries of Andy Kaufman’s life and death. Finally, we look at a study that says the people who rate films may be getting desensitized to violence.
Banner Image: Andy Kaufman performs his Mighty Mouse routine on Saturday Night Live
In this episode
5 storiesVoter ID Laws
Early voting started in Texas today, where voters have to show id -- such as a driver’s license, a military ID, or a gun license. A couple of weeks ago, that state’s voter ID law was struck down as unconstitutional by a federal judge. But at 5am on Saturday , the Supreme Court reversed that decision.
Read the story9 minPhones are the New Credit Cards
Apple launches a new service today that lets people use their iPhone 6 to pay for things instead of their credit cards. Some technology watchers say it will be a game changer for the way we pay for everything, from coffee to an Uber ride.
Read the story7 minShrinking the Big Screen
Network TV studios are looking more and more to the big screen for inspiration. We look at the array of shows in development that are based on films. Plus, Neil Patrick Harris on the Oscars stage, NBC’s new sitcom “Marry Me”, and more.
Read the story9 minThe Truth About Andy Kaufman
A new book tries to unravel the mysteries surrounding Andy Kaufman. It’s written by Kaufman co-conspirator Bob Zmuda and Kaufman’s partner Lynne Margulies, and it’s called “Andy Kaufman: The Truth, Finally.”
Read the story14 minRating the Ratings
A new study out today shows that parents become desensitized to violence and sex the more they watch it -- that the more violence and sex they see in a series of movies, the less likely they are to rate the movies with R ratings. Which could tell us something about the way movies are rated.
Read the story8 min
