Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Middle East Upheaval, Fake Boyfriends and Fake Engine Noise
The day after the death of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, we look at upheaval in the Middle East. What’s the latest from the ground in Saudi Arabia and in Yemen? Also, how and why are Western women getting recruited into Islamic extremist groups like ISIS?
By Barbara Bogaev • • 52m ListenThe day after the death of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, we look at upheaval in the Middle East. Then, how and why are western women getting recruited into Islamic extremist groups like ISIS? Next up, a tech reporter tells us about her experience testing a smartphone app that generates fake significant others for those trying to fool their families and friends. In our weekly film segment, we discuss new box office releases including The Boy Next Door and Cake. And finally, why are automakers piping fake engine noise into new cars, and who’s raising a stink about it?
Banner Image: Salman ibn Abdilaziz Al Saud, pictured, became president of Saudi Arabia on January 23, 2015 upong the death of his half-brother, King Abdullah. Credit: Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
In this episode
5 storiesSaudi Arabia, Yemen and the U.S.
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah died yesterday at age 90. His brother, Prince Salman, who is 79 years old, has taken over the throne. In a country where human rights are sharply curtailed by conservative Islamic law, King Abdullah was sometimes described as a cautious reformer during his some 20 years in power.
Read the story10 minWomen and Terrorism
Elsewhere in the Middle East, Hayat Boumeddiene, the girlfriend of one of the terrorists who attacked Paris two weeks ago, may be in Syria. French police are still searching for her, and the hunt highlights one of the more overlooked aspects of jihadism: the role of women.
Read the story6 minInvisible Boyfriend
Are you single? Tired of fielding questions about your love life? Here’s one way to shut everyone up: sign up for a new service called Invisible Boyfriend, which sends texts and photos from a fake significant other to your smartphone. We hear from a reporter who tried it.
Read the story8 min'The Boy Next Door,' 'Cake' and Other New Releases
It’s January, which means slim pickin’ at the box office, now that the awards season craze has died down. However, it is Friday, which means it’s time for our weekly movies segment. We catch up on what is coming out today, including a J-Lo thriller and the movie that was supposed to earn Jennifer Aniston an Oscar nomination but didn’t.
Read the story14 minCar Roundup: Fake Engine Noise, New Braking Recommendations
The sound of a V8 engine is classic Americana: it represents power, the freedom of the open road and independence. But if your vehicle was made in the past few years, the sound might just be fake noise. Carmakers are making up for quieter new engines by piping in recorded engine sounds. And some auto purists aren’t happy about it.
Read the story9 min
