Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Burning Man Gentrification and Martina Navratilova on Tennis Noise
The Burning Man festival starts Monday in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Has it become too gentrified as Silicon Valley billionaires become part of the celebration? Plus: tennis champion Martina Navratilova discusses the noise from fans during matches.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenThe White House said this week that ISIS can’t be defeated unless we attack the part of the group that exists in Syria. Could this mean an American military intervention there? We also look at the forensic investigation underway to try to identify the ISIS operative who carried out journalist James Foley’s execution. Then, the art festival Burning Man starts Monday in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert: Has it become too gentrified as Silicon Valley billionaires become part of the celebration? In our weekly film roundup, we look at the latest summer box office offerings. And finally, we talk to tennis champion Martina Navratilova about the noise from fans during some tennis matches.
Banner Image: Bliss dance at Burning Man
In this episode
5 storiesSyria Creep
Today, the White House called the beheading of journalist James Foley ‘a terrorist attack’ by the Islamic militant group ISIS. This comes a day after the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey said ISIS cannot be defeated unless the part that resides in Syria is addressed.
Read the story10 minFoley Forensic Investigation
The family of James Foley has released the final email they received from the group who executed their son. Now, investigators are combing that and the video of Foley’s murder for clues about the identity of the man who carried it out. How does this kind of forensic examination done?
Read the story7 minBurning Man for the One Percent
Burning Man - the annual art festival-hippie commune-rave - starts Monday in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. A long time ago, it was a desert haven for the fringe. But then, Silicon Valley billionaires and other richie riches flocked to it, bringing luxury RVs and catered meals.
Read the story9 minFilm Roundup
Summer is coming to a close, but your new movie choices are wide open. We run through the latest offerings at the box office in our weekly film roundup. “The One I Love” movie trailer
Read the story14 minTennis Noise
The U.S. Open tennis tournament starts on Monday. While Wimbledon is known for its English traditions, like all-white outfits and crowds that are respectfully hushed, the U.S. Open has always been a bit more boisterous. We talk about it with tennis champion Martina Navratilova.
Read the story8 min
