Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Bullet Trains, The Gay Gene and Hollywood NIMBYs
California's bullet train hits another snag, Hollywood NIMBYs, the search for the "gay gene," a Led Zeppelin lawsuit, and our weekly film segment.
By Barbara Bogaev • • 51m ListenToday on Press Play, yet another lawsuit has been filed against California’s bedeviled bullet train. We take a look at where the project stands now. And Hollywood NIMBYs have successfully derailed Hollywood’s 2012 higher density zoning plan. What now? In our weekly film segment, The Fault in Our Stars, Edge of Tomorrow, Obvious Child, and Rigor Mortis. Also, the opening riff to Led Zeppelin’s classic “Stairway to Heaven” sounds suspiciously like a song by Spirit, a California band. Now there’s a lawsuit. And, nature vs nurture and the search for the “gay gene.”
Banner Image: Artist's rendering of the California High Speed Rail trainset and livery
In this episode
5 storiesBullet Train Lawsuit
Yet another lawsuit was filed yesterday against California’s high-speed-rail project. Kings County and a group of its residents allege continued violations of the state’s Environmental Quality Act. They say that the environmental review approved by the state is "unquestionably inadequate."
Read the story7 minHollywood NIMBYs
The city council has to pay out nearly $2 million in legal fees to three Hollywood neighborhood groups. This after a legal fight over new density zoning rules went in favor of the groups. And it turns out there’s almost always one lawyer behind all these fights.
Read the story7 minFilm
Fridays are all about film on Press Play. Today, our critics offer their takes on The Fault in Our Stars, Edge of Tomorrow, Obvious Child, and Rigor Mortis.
Read the story11 min"Stairway to Heaven" Lawsuit
A band called Spirit is alleging that Led Zeppelin ripped off the opening riff of one its most famous songs: “Stairway to Heaven.” First, the ins and outs of the lawsuit. Then, a look at the band Spirit with KCRW Music Librarian Eric J. Lawrence.
Read the story14 minThe Gay Gene
Scientists have identified certain genetic markers that may prove that homosexuality is something you’re born with, not a lifestyle choice. But the gay community has mixed feelings about the news.
Read the story8 min
