Eight Forty-Eight—February 28, 2007 |
Audio for the Entire Episode
Individual segments are available below. |
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Reviewing Returns and Run-Offs
We examine the results of Chicago’s municipal elections with political analyst Russ Stewart, University of Illinois at Chicago Professor of Political Science Dick Simpson and Chicago Public Radio Political Reporter Ben Calhoun. |
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Major Upset in the 53rd Ward
We talk with 53rd Ward Alderman Ed Bus, who now faces his first run-off election in 49 years.
Ed Bus is the creation of the improv comedy group, Schadenfreude. You can see Schadenfreude live on stage, Saturday March 3 at the Wilmette Theater. |
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Dancing into March
Dance critic Lucia Mauro previews three upcoming dance performances:
Chunky Move: I Want to Dance Better at Parties
March 1—3
Museum of Contemporary Art
River North Chicago Dance Company: Underground Movements
March 9—11
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Natya Dance Theatre: Alakshaya - The Invisible Veil
March 15—17
Dance Center of Columbia College |
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Al Gini Opens His Bookbag and Your Mind
Eight Forty-Eight Resident Philosopher Al Gini shares some of the books that have had the most profound impact on his life.
Authors and Books Mentioned:
Victor Frankel: Man’s Search for Meaning
Plato: The Republic, The Phaedo, The Crito, The Apology
William James
Immanuel Kant
J.D. Salinger: Raise High the Roof-Beam, Carpenters; Franny and Zooey
John Updike: Rabbit, Run; Rabbit Redux, Rabbit is Rich, Rabbit at Rest, Rabbit Remembered
Ernest Hemingway
Albert Camus: The Stranger, The Plague
Konrad Lorenz: On Aggression
Philip Caputo: A Rumor of War
J. Glenn Gray: The Warriors |
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February: The Movie
Writer, teacher and contributor John O'Connor reflects on the past 28 days as he
brings us the blockbuster event of the month: February: The Movie. |
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Eight Forty-Eight—February 27, 2007 |
Audio for the Entire Episode
Individual segments are available below. |
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Water Wars
As water becomes scarcer, could unregulated diversions from Lake Michigan lead
to disaster? We talk with Peter Annin, author of The Great Lakes Water Wars.
Music Button: Roger O’Donnell, “The Truth In You,” from the CD World’s Fair (Great Society Records) |
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Low Flow Toilets
The Environment Report’s Chuck Quirmbach reports on the viability of no-flow toilets.
Music Button: William Bell, “You Don’t Miss Your Water,” from the CD Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration (Stax) |
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What's Happening at Halas Hall?
Sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout joins us to talk about post-Super Bowl
moves at Halas Hall, a playoff push for the Bulls, and the latest from
baseball's spring training.
Music Button: Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, “Golden Rule,” from the CD Rattleshake (Alligator) |
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Religious Retreat for the Homeless
Contributor Judy Valente visits a religious retreat for homeless people.
Judy Valente leads a Lenten Retreat on Sunday, March 4, from 2-4 p.m. at Old St. Patrick's Church.
She will also give a presentation titled “Poems to Nourish the Soul” at the Beverly Arts Center on March 18 at 3 p.m. Valente's poetry is on display at the Gallery at Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park until March 1.
Music Button: Air, “Lost Message,” from the CD Pocket Symphony (Astralwerks) |
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Bronzeville Boys and Girls
Gwendolyn Brooks' classic volume of children's poetry, Bronzeville Boys and Girls, has been reissued with new full-color illustrations by acclaimed African-American artist Faith Ringgold. Eight Forty-Eight’s Ashley Gross reports. |
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Spry School
Chicago Public Radio’s Jay Field reports on happenings at Pilsen’s John Spry Community School. |
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Eight Forty-Eight—February 26, 2007 |
Audio for the Entire Episode
Individual segments are available below. |
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Election Day and Beyond
Chicago Public Radio Political Reporter Ben Calhoun joins us to preview Chicago's municipal elections. |
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Rick Kogan on Chicago Aldermen
The Chicago Tribune's Rick Kogan spent the past year profiling all fifty of Chicago's sitting City Council members. He joins us to discuss the job of an alderman. |
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Monday Morning Business Update
Business contributor David Greising discusses the efforts to boost the performance of Sara Lee and Kraft.
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Chicago's Oscar Winner
We share an excerpt from Academy Award-winning Best Supporting Actress and Chicagoan Jennifer Hudson singing “And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going” from the movie Dreamgirls. |
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Attempting a Review of Godard
Film critic Jonathan Miller reviews Jean-Luc Godard's 1967 film Two or Three Things I Know About Her. A new 35mm print of the film runs through Thursday, March 1, at the Music Box Theatre. |
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Pioneering African-American Journalist Les Brownlee
The late journalist and educator Les Brownlee broke down every barrier that was put in front of him. His widow Priscilla MacDougall gives us a glimpse into his life and times in this interview with Eight Forty-Eight's Richard Steele.
Les Brownlee: The Autobiography of a Pioneering African-American Journalist (Marion Street Press, 2007) |
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The Music of Margaret Bonds
We share an excerpt from “Minstrel Man,” composed by the late Margaret Bonds, a Chicago composer and pianist who in 1933 was the first African-American soloist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The song is performed by Pamela Dillard. |
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We Are All From Somewhere Else
Chicago Public Radio's Dan Bindert reviews of the Exploding Star Orchestra's new experimental album, We Are All From Somewhere Else (Thrill Jockey, 2007). |
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Eight Forty-Eight—February 23, 2007 |
Audio for the Entire Episode
Individual segments are available below. |
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Month in Review
Charles Thomas—Reporter, Channel 7
Ethan Michaeli—Publisher, Residents' Journal
Sue Ontiveros—Columnist, Chicago Sun-Times
We discuss the stories of February with our all-star panel of journalists. |
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The Race to Be 32nd Ward Alderman
Chicago Public Radio’s Diantha Parker reports on what the fight for alderman in the Northwest Side 32nd Ward says about old-style machine politics and newcomers. |
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Candidate Profile: Alderman Ed Bus
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| Ed Bus. Photo by Jason Marck |
In the final installment of a three-part series, Schadenfreude's 53rd Ward Alderman Ed Bus joins us live in studio for a conversation about the upcoming elections.
You can see Schadenfreude live on Saturday March 3, at the Wilmette Theater. |
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Drumming up Community in Humboldt Park
Humbolt Park arts group AfriCaribe is trying to build community and understanding through music and dance. Chicago Public Radio's Chip Mitchell reports.
AfriCaribe's next bombazo is Saturday night, February 24 at the AfriCaribe Cultural Center. The evening begins at 6 with a Caribbean art exhibit, followed at 8 by music and dancing. |
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Dueling Critics: Court-Martial at Fort Devens
Jonathan Abarbanel and guest critic Kerry Reid take on The Victory Gardens production of Court-Martial at Fort Devens. It runs through March 11 at the Biograph Theater.
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Eight Forty-Eight—February 22, 2007 |
Audio for the Entire Episode
Individual segments are available below. |
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City Council Campaign Notebook
Chicago Journal Managing Editor Haydn Bush joins us to discuss some of the aldermanic races he's been covering.
Music Button: The Dining Rooms, “La Citta Nuda,” from the CD Tre (Guidance Recordings) |
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Schadenfreude: Alderman Ed Bus: The Media Blitz
Schadenfreude, Chicago's critically-acclaimed sketch comedy ensemble, presents the fictitious Alderman Ed Bus of the 53rd Ward. In part two of this three-part series, old-school Alderman Ed Bus prepares for his media blitz.
Schadenfreude is performing live at the Wilmette Theater on March 3rd.
Music Button: Johnny Pearson, “Pop March,” from the CD Music For TV Dinners: The 60’s, (Scamp Records) |
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High School Studies
National research released today shows U.S. high school students taking harder classes, but reading at lower levels. We talk with Chicago Public Radio Education Reporter Jay Field about this new data.
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Numbers Game
Writer John O'Connor says no standardized test can measure what's really important in our students.
Music Button: The Aqua Velvets, “Smoking Panatelas on the Blue Mediterranean Sea,” from the CD Nomad, (Milan Music)
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Filmspotting Goes to the Oscars
Filmspotting co-hosts Adam Kempenaar and Sam Van Hallgren come in to offer their take on what's going down (and, what isn't) on Oscar night.
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Adam and Sam ask Steve Edwards for his take on the best films of 2006 and talk about their picks for Best Actor, Actress and more. |
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The Making of Oscar
Chicago Public Radio's Lynette Kalsnes takes a visit to an awards factory on the city's Northwest Side to see how Oscar is made.
Music Button: Elmer Bernstein, “On The Move,” from the CD MGM and Rykodisc present Sneak Preview, (Ryko)
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UnderCover: Puerto Muerto Covers Nina Simone
Chicago wife-husband duo Puerto Muerto take on Nina Simone's “Be My Husband.” |
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Three to See
Arts Editor Edward Lifson shares his top picks for upcoming cultural events.
Radio Golf by August Wilson at the Goodman Theater
Closes Sunday
Richard Hunt
Exhibition of maquettes and color lithographs at Elmhurst College
Through Wednesday, February 28
Cézanne to Picasso: Ambroise Vollard, Patron of the Avant-Garde
Art Institute of Chicago
Through May 12, 2007 |
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Eight Forty-Eight—February 21, 2007 |
Audio for the Entire Episode
Individual segments are available below. |
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Mayoral Candidate Dorothy Brown
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| Dorothy Brown. Photo by Jason Marck |
We talk with Dorothy Brown, a challenger to Mayor Richard Daley in the 2007 elections.
Music Button: Herbie Hancock, “The Maze,” from the CD Takin’ Off (Blue Note) |
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City Council's Affordable Housing Fight
Chicago Public Radio’s Catrin Einhorn reports on the debate over affordable housing in the Chicago City Council.
Music Button: Fila Brazillia, “Airlock Holmes,” from the CD OmLounge 3 (Om Records) |
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Schadenfreude: Alderman Ed Bus
Schadenfreude, Chicago's critically-acclaimed sketch comedy ensemble, presents the fictitious Alderman Ed Bus of the 53rd Ward. In part one of this three-part series, we listen in as he realizes there's an election coming up.
Schadenfreude is performing live at the Wilmette Theater on March 3. |
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Nerd-a-Thon
Eight Forty-Eight's Gianofer Fields finds out what happens when you mix a frigid weekend, a slew of board games and a bunch of nerds. She talks with Mensa Chicago Chapter President Beth Anne Demeter and Mensa lifetime member Stephen Metzger. |
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Replacing Chief Illiniwek
The fighting prairie dogs? Chicagoans suggest ideas for a new University of Illinois mascot as the school bids adieu to Chief Illiniwek.
Music Button: Cantoma, “Essarai,” from the CD Cantoma (Quango Records) |
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Paying Attention on Ash Wednesday
Judy Valente reflects on the value of paying attention to the subtleties of life on this Ash Wednesday.
Judy Valente leads a Lenten Retreat "Discovering the Sacred in Daily Life" Saturday, February 24 at 9 am at Fourth Presbyterian Church.
Music Button: Elmhurst College Jazz Band, “Sandu,” from the CD Relentless (self-released) |
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Doug Beach and Elmhurst Jazz
Chicago Public Radio's Dan Bindert talks with Doug Beach, an instructor in the Elmhurst College Music Department about the mission and line-up of the 40th annual Elmhurst College Jazz Festival. |
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Eight Forty-Eight—February 20, 2007
Richard Steele Guest Hosts |
Audio for the Entire Episode
Individual segments are available below. |
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Addressing Education Funding Reform
As the state reaches its deadline for bids on the lottery, we talk with Center for Tax and Budget Accountability Executive Director Ralph Martire about the need for education funding reform in Illinois. |
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Mardi Gras in Chicago
We share the sounds of “Mardi Gras in Chicago,” which took place Saturday at the Chicago Children's Museum.
The event was organized by the NOLA in Chicago Network and featured Mama Digdown’s Brass Band. |
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The Ballad of the Whiskey Robber
Author Julian Rubinstein writes and sings about Attila Ambrus, a modern-day Robin Hood from Hungary now known and toasted the world over as the “Whiskey Robber.” Rubinstein will be on hand at 7:30 tonight at Barbara's Bookstore in Oak Park.
Music Button: T-Roma, “Dobri Den Romalen,” from the CD Way of the Romani (Self Released) (More Information) |
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Where's the Beef?
Six months ago, a feud between labor and business was expected to shape Chicago's municipal elections. On the eve of the elections, however, that dispute is nothing like what was predicted. |
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Alderman Campaign Notebook
Chicago Reader Political Writer Mick Dumke joins us to discuss some of the most heated races for Chicago alderman.
Music Button: Masters of Groove, “Wow Wow,” from the CD Masters of Groove (Meet DJ 9) (Jazzateria Records) |
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Mikva Kids Challenge Candidates
Fed up with youth issues being overlooked in this mayoral election, students with the civics education group Mikva Challenge film YouTube videos directed at the candidates. |
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The Search for the Perfect Taco
Independent producer Nick White brings us the story of one man seeking—and finding—his culinary holy grail.
Music Button: Beck, “Satan Gave Me A Taco,” from the CD Stereopathic Soul Manure (Flipside Records) |
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Singer Terisa Griffin Bares her "Naked Soul"
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Charlie Johnson, Terisa Griffin and Richard Steele.
Photo by Jason Marck |
Chicago vocalist Terisa Griffin stops by to chat and belt out some tunes. Her new CD is My Naked Soul. |
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Eight Forty-Eight—February 19, 2007
Richard Steele Guest Hosts |
Audio for the Entire Episode
Individual segments are available below. |
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Chicago Mayoral Candidate William "Doc" Walls
Over the next week, as part of our continuing elections coverage, we talk one-on-one with the three candidates vying for mayor in the nation’s third largest city. Today,
we talk with mayoral candidate William “Doc” Walls.
Music Button: Sonny Stitt, “On Green Dolphin Street,” from the CD It’s Magic (Delmark) |
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Teens for President
Our contributors at Curie Youth Radio ask their fellow students what they'd do if they were in the White House. |
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Monday Business Update
Business contributor David Greising discusses the fragile state of the U.S. housing market.
Music Button: Tortoise, “CTA,” from the CD A Lazarus Taxon (Thrill Jockey) |
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E2 and the Black Media
Chicago Public Radio's Diantha Parker reports on how black media are covering the E2 trial.
Music Button: Nostalgia ’77, “Green Blades of Grass,” from the CD The Garden (Ubiquity) |
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The State of Chicago's Black Media
Salim Muwakkil—Senior Editor, In These Times
Ken Smikle—President, Target Market News
Laura Washington—Columnist, Chicago Sun-Times; DePaul University Professor
Charles Whitaker—Professor, Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism
Chicago was once a thriving and competitive city for black newspapers and publications, but tough times have hit some local publishers. We host a roundtable discussion on the state of Chicago's African-American media. |
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Eight Forty-Eight—February 16, 2007
Alison Cuddy Guest Hosts
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Audio for the Entire Episode
Individual segments are available below. |
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The Pros and Cons of Road Salt
Road salt has impacts on the environment and infrastructure, but Northwestern University Professor David Schulz says it's key to clearing roads quickly after a snowstorm.
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For additional information on the environmental impacts of road salt, we called Pat Kelsey, vice president of the division of natural sciences at Christopher B. Burke Engineering West in St. Charles.
He spoke with Eight Forty-Eight guest host Allison Cuddy. |
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The Physics of Falling Ice
Catrin Einhorn takes a walk on the wild side of winter ice on tall buildings.
Music Button: Pat Metheny/Brad Mehldau, “A Night Away,” from the CD Quartet (Nonesuch Records) |
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Flex-Fuel Economy Questioned
The Environment Report’s Julie Grant investigates claims that mixed-fuel vehicles are environmentally friendly.
Music Button: Exploding Star Orchestra, “Cosmic Tomes For Sleepwalking Lovers Pt. 2,” from the CD We Are All From Somewhere Else |
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Women in Love
Writer Elizabeth Sandoval offers advice to single women. |
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Seminarians and the Vagina Monologues
Chicago Public Radio’s Jason DeRose finds out why some seminarians believe performing the Vagina Monologues will make them better ministers. |
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Dialogues of the Carmelites
Lyric Opera of Chicago Dramaturg Roger Pines brings us the story behind the story of Francis Poulenc's acclaimed 20th Century opera Dialogues of the Carmelites. It's based on the real life execution of a group of Catholic nuns during the French Revolution and is getting its first-ever performance at Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Music Button: Cantoma, “The Call,” from the CD Cantoma (Quango Records) |
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Filmspotting Takes on the “Masterpiece”
Filmspotting hosts Adam Kempenaar and Sam Van Hallgren take a long, hard look at what many in the world of cinema consider a “masterpiece”: French director Jacques Tati's 1967 film, Play Time.
The 70 millimeter print of Jacques Tati’s Play Time screens this Saturday and Sunday morning at The Music Box Theatre.
Music Button: Urbs, “Operation W,” from the CD Toujours Le Meme Film (G-Stone Records)
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Dueling Critics' Spring Preview
Jonathan Abarbanel and Kelly Kleiman preview Chicago’s Spring theatre season.
Chicago Children's Theatre: Go, Dog, Go!
Lookingglass Young Ensemble: Inside Outside Inside/Outside: The Radical Act of Listening
House Theatre: The Sparrow
Easy Street Players: Sordid Lives |
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Eight Forty-Eight—February 15, 2007 |
Audio for the Entire Episode
Individual segments are available below. |
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A Better Budget?
Democratic Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley discusses the alternative budget proposed by a 13 member bipartisan coalition among the board. |
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Budget Give and Take
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger reacts to yesterday's alternative budget proposal.
Music Button: Jump With Joey, “Look Away,” from the CD Strictly for You Vol. 2 (HiFi Records) |
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Big Picture in Jeopardy
Independent producer Tim Carnahan reports on two, small high schools in Chicago's Back of the Yards and Bronzeville neighborhoods that may be getting the axe.
Music Button: Kraak & Smaak, “Mambo Solitario,” from the CD Boogie Angst (Quango Records) |
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Why We Love to Love
Eight Forty-Eight Resident Philosopher Al Gini reflects on why we love.
Music Button: Frank Sinatra, “What Is This Thing Called Love,” from the CD In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning (Capitol) |
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Tales of War and Turmoil
Dance Critic Lucia Mauro discusses two dance performances this weekend that address the effects of war and government policy.
Together Higher Dance Troupe
February 22-24 at 8 p.m.
Dance Center of Columbia College, Chicago
The Joffrey Ballet: Destiny's Dances
February 14-25
Auditorium Theater |
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Remembering Ann Barzel
Longtime Chicago dance critic Ann Barzel died Monday at the age of 101. We remember her with an excerpt of a 2002 interview in which she reflects on her career. |
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UnderCover: Las Guitarras de Espana
For this installment of our UnderCover series, Las Guitarras de Espana offers up a flamenco-tinged version of the pop standard “Killing Me Softly with His Song.”
The series is produced in conjunction with Great Life Music. Colby Beserra is the Music Director. Our audio engineers are Mary Gaffney and Brian Schwab. |
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Three to See
Hello Beautiful! Senior Producer Matt Cunningham shares his top picks for upcoming cultural events.
Service Station
February 16-March 9
Walsh Gallery
118 N. Peoria Street, Chicago
Lady
Through February 25
Northlight Theatre
9501 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie
Delirium
Feburary 17-19
United Center
1901 W. Madison St., Chicago |
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Eight Forty-Eight—February 14, 2007 |
Audio for the Entire Episode
Individual segments are available below. |
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Funding Education
Republican State Represenative and Education Caucus leader Bob Pritchard of
Sycamore discusses education funding reform. |
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Mayor Daley and Education
Mayor Daley is touting his school reform efforts heading into the municipal elections. Chicago Public Radio's Jay Field examines his record. |
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School Daze: Comparing and Contrasting Urban Reform Efforts
Chicago has taken the lead on national school reform efforts in recent years, and many other large urban cities have been paying close attention. Education writer Alexander Russo compares and contrasts the Chicago experiment with efforts in other cities.
Related Links:
Education Week Blog, District 299 Blog
Music Button: Radio Citizen, “Night Part 1,” from the CD Berlin Serengeti (Ubiquity) |
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The “Love Lost” Letter
Performers from the 4th Annual GroundUp Theatre production of Letters/X recite real letters sent by real “exes.”
Letters/X runs through March 3 at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights at the Hungry Brain, located at 2319 W. Belmont Ave. |
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No Longer So Grand
Chicago writer Michael Bowen shares his valentine to the CTA.
Music Button: Rhett Miller, “The El,” from the CD The Instigator (Elektra)
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