Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Obama on Sony’s “Mistake,” the Year in News, and Weird Christmas Traditions
We discuss President Obama’s end-of-year news conference this morning, and look back at some of the biggest news stories of the year. Also in our weekly film segment, are audiences missing out by not being able to see The Interview?
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenWe start with a discussion of President Obama’s end-of-year news conference this morning, plus a look back at the biggest news stories of the year. Then, writer and performer Mike Schlitt fills us in on some of the most bizarre Christmas traditions from around the world. And finally, a two-parter in our weekly film segment, in which we look at new releases and the controversy over the Sony film The Interview.
Banner Image: U.S. President Barack Obama responds to a question at his end of the year press conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington December 19, 2014. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
In this episode
4 storiesThe Year in News
There have been a lot of big news stories this year: The massive Sony hack by North Korea, the restoration of diplomacy with Cuba, the police killings of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, the rise of ISIS, Ebola, the Republican takeover of Congress, a new immigration policy… the list goes on.
Read the story18 minChristmas With Schlitt
From “Elf on a Shelf” to the fact that holiday music now seems to start before Easter, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas is getting weirder and weirder.
Read the story8 minHolidays at the Movies Part I
The buzziest film of the year is one that just about nobody has seen -- and maybe never will. The Interview has been shelved by Sony after the studio’s hacking disaster and threats from North Korean operatives. We discuss that and other new releases in our weekly film roundup.
Read the story11 minHolidays at the Movies Part II
In part two of this week’s film roundup, a look ahead at more upcoming releases including the acclaimed Martin Luther King, Jr. biopic Selma, plus a look back at the best films of 2014.
Read the story11 min
