Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Snowboarding in Sochi and Mutts at the Dog Show
Snowboarding in Sochi brings an Olympic update, mutts are allowed in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and the latest in television news.
By Madeleine Brand • • 34m ListenOlympic snowboarders have been complaining about the conditions of the halfpipe in Sochi, and during the men’s finals, plenty of athletes wiped out. We call Sochi to find out the latest Olympic news. Plus, environmentalists say the Olympics are causing major damage to Sochi’s ecosystems. We find out why mutts are now welcome in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. And we get the latest news from the world of television.
Banner Image: Mr. Laazik
In this episode
4 storiesOlympic Update
Olympic snowboarders have been complaining about the conditions of the halfpipe in Sochi, and during the men’s finals, plenty of athletes wiped out. We call Sochi to find out the latest Olympic news.
Read the story8 minEnvironmental Impact on Sochi
Environmentalist activists say the winter Olympics are causing major damage to Sochi’s precious ecosystems, despite the promise of “green” construction by Russian officials. Water pollution is threatening fish, wetlands are buried under crushed stone, and destruction of trees can’t be reversed, according to critics.
Read the story7 minGoodbye X-Factor, Hello House of Cards
Simon Cowell’s attempt to recreate the magic of American Idol has failed here in the states. Fox has announced that it won’t renew the X-Factor, his music competition show. Is this a sign of broader TV trends? Plus, Netflix’s House of Cards comes back for a second season of binge-watching this week.
Read the story9 minWestminster Dog Show Now Accepting Mutts
One of the world’s most premier dog shows has announced a major change: Purebreds are no longer the only dogs allowed. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, currently underway in New York, allowed mix-breed dogs to compete in this weekend’s competition.
Read the story8 min
