Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Leonard Nimoy Dies, LA Combats Child Prostitution, and Harley Quinn
We look at the life and work of Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy, who died today in Los Angeles of lung disease at 83. Also, two American skiers won the gold and bronze medals this week at the World Championships of Nordic Skiing. Why is their victory so significant, and such an upset to the sport of cross-country skiing?
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenWe start with a look at the life and work of Leonard Nimoy, the Star Trek actor who died today of lung disease at 83. After that, we turn to a serious problem here in Los Angeles: child prostitution. Who are the young women being exploited, and what’s the justice system doing to help them? Then, two Americans skiers won the silver and bronze medals this week at the World Championships of Nordic Skiing: a major upset in the world of cross-country skiing. Who are they and what happened? Next, in our weekly Friday film segment, a look at what’s new in theaters this weekend, including Focus and Maps to the Stars. And finally, the story of Harley Quinn, a comic book character who’s become one of pop culture’s most popular anti-heroines.
Banner Image: Leonard Nimoy at KCRW; Credit: Stephen Laufer
In this episode
5 storiesLeonard Nimoy Dies
This morning actor Leonard Nimoy died at his home in Los Angeles. He was 83. His wife said he died of lung disease, which he attributed to years of smoking. Nimoy was best known for playing the human-alien character Mr. Spock on Star Trek. Although Nimoy alternately distanced and then embraced his role as Spock, he was a lot more than Vulcan.
Read the story9 minL.A.’s Legal System Tries to Combat Child Prostitution
Child sex trafficking is a crime we often associate with far-off countries, but it happens here in L.A., too. And now, there’s a renewed interest by authorities to fight it. Last July, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey created her office’s first Human Trafficking Unit to go after pimps who exploit minors.
Read the story8 minA Cross-Country Skiing Championship
Probably not too many of you have been watching the World Championships of Nordic Skiing, but they’ve been going on for more than a week in Falun, Sweden. The competition includes cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and, for men only, a combination of the two. Granted, cross-country skiing is not a big sport here in the U.S.
Read the story9 minFriday at the Movies: “Maps to the Stars,” “Focus,” and More
You can officially stop watching the most prestigious movies of 2014. The Oscars are over, and it’s time for moviegoers to move into 2015 in earnest. We have all the details on the new releases out this week, including a Will Smith caper and a Hollywood satire. Our guests break it all down in our weekly film segment.
Read the story14 minThe Legend of Harley Quinn
One of the movies we talked about in today’s film segment is Focus, starring Margot Robbie. Well, her star is on the rise. Next year, Robbie will star in the comic book crossover film Suicide Squad as Harley Quinn. Quinn is a wildly popular comic book anti-heroine. She’s sweet. She’s a sociopath.
Read the story8 min
