Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Ebola Survivors in West Africa, Uber Protests, and a History of Ouija Boards
We take a ground-level look at the plight of Ebola survivors in West Africa. Also, a history of the Ouija board, the spooky game that’s now the subject of a new horror film.
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenWe start with a ground-level look at the Ebola crisis in West Africa, focusing on the plight of people who have survived the virus and students whose schools have been closed. Next, Uber drivers have been protesting on the east and west coasts this week: What will all the turmoil mean for consumers in the long run? Then, a history of the Ouija board. And, in our weekly film segment, we talk about the new horror film dedicated to the spooky game, plus a new Edward Snowden documentary and more.
Banner Image: Ouija Board Game photo by: Dave Winer
In this episode
5 storiesThe Plight of Ebola Survivors in West Africa
A Doctors Without Borders physician in New York has become the ninth person in the U.S. to be treated for Ebola. While the diagnosis has raised alarms nationwide, the real crisis continues in West Africa, where thousands have died.
Read the story11 minSchools Closed in Liberia
Because of the Ebola outbreak, many schools have closed in Liberia and Sierra Leone. That leaves more than a million students without an education, indefinitely. One organization is using radio broadcasts to try to educate kids during the crisis. We hear from someone involved in the effort.
Read the story5 minUber’s Labor Fight
Uber drivers in Los Angeles and San Francisco staged protests this week over declining pay and working conditions. Meanwhile, drivers in New York and London went on strike. It’s just the latest turmoil for the on-demand ride service: This year has also brought fights with taxi unions and local governments, and a price war with competitor Lyft.
Read the story9 minThe Real History of Ouija
A new horror movie comes out this weekend about the creepy power of the Ouija board. But the mysterious game has a history that goes back much farther. Seekers have been gathering around Ouija boards for anything from family entertainment to communion with the dead since the 1800s. We talk to an expert on so-called “talking boards.”
Read the story10 minKeanu Reeves, Edward Snowden and an Alpine Avalanche
We’re not quite done with Oujia boards yet. In our weekly film roundup, we discuss the new horror film “Ouija,” which has been getting some downright scary reviews. Also on the lineup: an Edward Snowden documentary, Keanu Reeves, and an Alpine avalanche.
Read the story12 min
