Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Netanyahu’s About-Face, the Politics of Water Restrictions, Fanfiction
We start today with Rep. Adam Schiff, who represents parts of Los Angeles, on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection and about-face on a two-state policy. Also, California has new water use restrictions. But why don’t they go further?
By Madeleine Brand • • 50m ListenWe start today with Rep. Adam Schiff, who represents parts of Los Angeles, on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection and about-face on a two-state policy. Then, California has new water use restrictions. But why don’t they go further? Next, Blue Shield is losing its nonprofit status; how did it get it in the first place, and what will the news mean for consumers? After that we hear from the author of a new book that’s all about the differences between reading on a screen and reading in print. Finally, a look at the weird, wide world of fanfiction.
Banner Image: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a press conference.
In this episode
5 storiesNetanyahu’s Victory and About-Face
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has locked up reelection, after a campaign that included rejecting a Palestinian state and a speech before U.S. Congress criticizing the nuclear deal the White House was pursuing with Iran. Neither was welcome news to the Obama administration. The President was not consulted about the speech.
Read the story8 minThe Politics of Water Restriction
As California enters its fourth consecutive year of drought, we now have new, statewide emergency water restrictions. Residents across the state will have to limit how often they water their lawns. Restaurants and hotels will also have new restrictions, such as not automatically giving customers a glass of water.
Read the story8 minBlue Shield Losing Non-Profit Status
Blue Shield, the third biggest health insurer in California, has lost its tax-exempt status, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. Blue Shield could owe the state tens of millions of dollars in taxes. It has more than $4 billion in reserves, and has been criticized because its former CEO was paid nearly $5 million annually.
Read the story8 minReading on Screen
We used to read books, magazines and newspapers on paper. Some of us still do. But many are now doing a lot of our reading on screens, on eReaders and computers. Does that change how we read, what we read or how much? We hear from a guest who says there are significant differences between reading on a screen and reading something in print.
Read the story12 minThe Wide World of Fanfiction
The world of fanfiction climbed to new heights this year with the film release of Fifty Shades of Grey , which has pulled nearly $162 million at the domestic box office. The book started as Twilight fanfiction: Edward the vampire became Christian Grey the human sadist.
Read the story10 min
