Eight Forty-Eight—December 30, 2005

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Year in Review
Carlos Hernandez Gomez—CLTV Political Reporter
Lester Munson—Legal Analyst, Sports Illustrated
Laura Washington—Columnist, Chicago Sun-Times
Eric Zorn—Columnist, Chicago Tribune

As Chicagoans prepare to ring in the new year, local journalists join us to share their selections for the biggest news stories of 2005. And what a year it's been: a former governor went on trial, a federal investigation climbed ever closer to Mayor Richard Daley, and a Chicago baseball team won the world series.

Eight Forty-Eight—December 29, 2005

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Remembering Renaissance Man Oscar Brown, Jr.

Known for compositions such as “Signifying Monkey” and “The Snake,” legendary Chicago cabaret singer, songwriter, playwright, and political activist Oscar Brown, Jr., died after a short illness on May 29, 2005, at the age of 78.

Originally broadcast May 31, 2005

Remembering Cabaret Star Bobby Short

Born into a poor, but loving home in downstate Danville, Illinois, three-time Grammy nominee Bobby Short became the epitome of Manhattan chic. Short died of leukemia on March 21, 2005, at the age of 80.

Originally broadcast March 21, 2005

Remembering Black Media Pioneer John H. Johnson
Tom Burrell—Founder and Chair Emeritus, Burrell Communications
Hermene Hartman—Publisher, N'Digo and Savoy Magazines

The Chicago-based businessman and publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines died on August 8, 2005, at age 87. We reflect on his legacy first in his own words, then with two of his fellow pioneers.

Special thanks to the HistoryMakers for archival interviews with John H. Johnson.

Music Button: Mahalia Jackson, “If I Can Help Somebody,” Gospels, Spirituals, and Hymns, Volume Two (Sony, 1998)

Originally broadcast August 9, 2005

Little Milton

We pay homage to the Chicago blues legend who passed away August 3, 2005, at the age of seventy-one.

Featured Music:
Little Milton, “Think of Me,” Think of Me (Telarc Blues, 2005)
Little Milton, “The Blues is Alright,” The Blues is Alright (Evidence, 1993)

Originally broadcast August 4, 2005

The Legacy of Carlos Cortez
Steve Edwards—Host, Eight Forty-Eight
Victor Sorrell—Art Historian and Associate Dean, School of Arts, Chicago State University

Steve Edwards speaks with art historian Victor Sorrell about the life and work of poet, muralist, and graphic artist Carlos Cortez. We also hear an excerpt from a recent documentary about Cortez in which the artist reads one of his poems.

Cortez died Wednesday, January 26, 2005, at the age of 81.

Originally broadcast January 28, 2005

Remembering Saul Bellow
James Atlas—Author

We celebrate the life and legacy of Nobel laureate and longtime Chicagoan Saul Bellow by revisiting a conversation with James Atlas, author of Bellow: A Biography.

Saul Bellow died in Brookline, Massachusetts, on April 5, 2005, at the age of 89.

Our interview with James Atlas was originally broadcast June 4, 2004.

Funkadesi Remembers Its Drummer
Carlos Antonio Cornier—Musician
Rahul Sharma—Musician

Critically acclaimed for its funky fusion of Indian, Carribean, and African music, Chicago-based Funkadesi lost drummer Meshach Silas in February.

Related Links
Meshach Silas Memorial Page
Chicago Public Radio's Passport

Featured Music: Funkadesi, “Irie,” Uncut Roots (I.A.C.A., 2000)

Originally broadcast August 17, 2005

In These Times Founder Weinstein Dies
James Weinstein—Writer and Historian

We revisit a 2004 interview with James Weinstein about his book, The Long Detour: The History and Future of the American Left.  

Weinstein passed away on June 16, 2005, at the age of 78.

Originally broadcast February 3, 2004

Journalist Grant Pick Obituary
Michael Miner—Media Columnist, Chicago Reader

Chicago Reader media columnist Michael Miner offers this eulogy for his colleague and friend, journalist Grant Pick. Pick died at his home in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood on Tuesday, February 1, 2005, at the age of 57.

Originally broadcast February 4, 2005

Eight Forty-Eight—December 23, 2005

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Eight Forty-Eight—December 22, 2005

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Peotone Airport Showdown
Jerry Weller—U.S. Representative for Illinois's 11th District

We talk with Congressman Jerry Weller, a Republican from downstate Morris, about movement on plans to develop a third Chicago-area airport in south suburban Peotone.

Do You Feel Safe?

Travelers react to revised rules about what you can bring on airplanes.

Galesburg Gets Business

The business editor of the Galesburg Register-Mail, Mike Landis, discusses the economic health of the town, located about 200 miles southwest of Chicago.

Music Button: Shark Quest, "Shivers," from the CD Gods and Devils, Merge Records

From Kosovo to Katrina

Chicago Public Radio's Robert Wildeboer has been following one ethnic Albanian Kosovar man and his family as they prepare for the holidays and struggle once again to establish new lives for themselves. He brings us their story.

Christmas Reflections
Ira Brooker—Graduate Student in the Department of Fiction Writing at Columbia College Chicago

New Orleanian-turned-Chicagoan Ira Brooker reflects on how the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina has made him a better Chicagoan.

Music Button: Jeff Chan, "Twilight," from the CD In Chicago, Asian Improv Records

Are We Suffering from Philanthropy Fatigue?
Suzannah Cowell—Director of Research for the Donors Forum of Chicago

After a year filled with tsunamis, hurricanes, and earthquakes, are Illinoisans suffering from philanthropy fatigue? We talk with an expert at the Donors Forum of Chicago about giving habits in this season of giving.

Christmas at the Post Office

Chicago writer Jeff Libman goes postal at holiday time.

Happy Anniversary to CBOT

Architecture contributor Ed Keegan takes us on a tour of the Chicago Board of Trade. Ed is author of The Chicago Board of Trade Building (Pomegranate Art Books, Incorporated, 2006).

Tall: The American Skyscraper and Louis Sullivan

Film contributor Jonathan Miller reviews a new documentary about legendary Chicago architect Louis Sullivan. It continues through December 29 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Eight Forty-Eight—December 21, 2005

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Emerald Casino's License Revoked
Chris Fusco—Chicago Sun-Times Reporter

The Illinois Gaming Board voted yesterday to revoke the gambling license of Emerald Casino in northwest suburban Rosemont. Chicago Sun-Times reporter Chris Fusco tells us what's next in the saga.

Music Button: John Barry, "Here Comes Nancy Now!," from the CD The Knack…and How to Get It Original Soundtrack, Ryko

Closing the Doors at City News

Bureau Chief Paul Zimbrakos talks with host Steve Edwards about his time at the famed City News, which closes its doors on December 31.

A Start at City News

Chicago Tribune senior correspondent Ellen Warren reflects on her time at City News.

Music Button: The Album Leaf, "One Minute," from the CD Seal Beach EP, Better Looking Records

Winter Solstice

Rebecca Armstrong, a Humanist minister and expert on myth and ritual, speaks with contributor Judy Valente.

Ms. Armstrong will be speaking on Saturday, December 24, at 3 pm at the North Shore Unitarian Church in Deerfield, Illinois.

Holiday Traditions: Winter Solstice

David Lipschutz, president of the Temple of Kriya Yoga, shares thoughts on Eastern philosophy and the Winter Solstice.

Living in a Marshmallow World
William Studwell—Professor Emeritus at Northern Illinois University

We discuss the history of Christmas carols with expert William Studwell, who's chosen "Angels We Have Heard on High" as his 2005 Carol of the Year.

Toasting the Holidays
Don and Petie Kladstrup—Authors of Champagne: How the World's Most Glamourous Wine Triumphed over War and Hard Times (HarperCollins, 2005)
Jason Given—Manager and Wine Buyer at Randolph Wine Cellars
Fernando Bateta—Manager and Sommelier at NoMI

Food contributor Steve Dolinsky talks with wine and champagne experts about ways to toast the holiday season.

Music Button: Terry Snyder, "Theme from a Picnic," from the CD Rhapsodesia: Ultra Lounge Volume 6

Three to See

Chicago Public Radio's arts, architecture, and culture editor Edward Lifson tells us about three cultural events not to miss this weekend and next.

Eight Forty-Eight—December 20, 2005

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Illinois Political Roundup
Ben Calhoun—Chicago Public Radio's Deputy News Director
Carlos Hernandez Gomez—CLTV Political Reporter
Andy Shaw—ABC 7 Chicago Political Reporter

We talk with a panel of political reporters about the Gubernatorial contest, local legislative races, and other heated political competitions around the state.

Music Button: Bob Dylan, "Political World," from the CD Oh Mercy, Columbia records

Tuesday Morning Business Update

Business contributor David Greising discusses the impending sale of the Jewel grocery chain by parent company Albertson’s.

How Do Chicago's Black Communities Spend During Christmas?

The Chicago Reporter's Kimbriell Kelly found that during the holiday season, residents of the city's black communities are likely to spend nearly two-thirds of their money outside of their neighborhoods. She joins us to talk about her findings.

Holiday Traditions: Christmas with the Palmer Family

Eight Forty-Eight engineer Melanie Palmer tells us how her family celebrates the holidays.

Music Button: Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra, "Merry Christmas Baby," from the CD Hipster’s Holiday, Rhino records

Related Audio

December 13: Contributor Carlos Flores—Click Here

December 6: Eight Forty-Eight host Steve Edwards and Chicago Public Radio correspondent Catrin Einhorn—Click Here

“Studio 312:” The LeeVees
Adam Gardner and Dave Schneider—Musicians

In this edition of our show within a show, contributor Jimmy Carrane tries to make “Studio 312” more marketable. And the LeeVees—Adam Gardner of Guster and Dave Schneider of the Zambonis—stop by to talk about their new CD, Hanukkah Rocks.

	Nicholas Tremulis in Chicago Public Radio's Performance Studio.

Chicago Public Radio's Tony Sarabia reports on what happens when a musician commissions a song a week.

Related Audio:

June 29, 2004: Nick Tremulis drops by our Peformance Studio—Listen

Eight Forty-Eight—December 19, 2005

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Illinois Gubernatorial Race Widens
Edwin Eisendrath—Kendall College Vice President of Academic Affairs

Former Chicago alderman Edwin Eisendrath announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for Illinois governor yesterday. He joins us to talk about why he’s running against incumbent Democrat Rod Blagojevich.

Tammy Duckworth Announces Bid for Congress

The plot thickens in the race to replace outgoing Republican Congressman Henry Hyde. Chicago Public Radio’s Ben Calhoun reports on the latest entry.

Music Button: Monte LaRue, "Bienvenue," from the CD Lounge Delux, Cinq Etoiles records

Musical Justice

After hours at the Dirksen Federal Building, members of Chicago's legal community gather to blow off steam. Chicago Public Radio's Diantha Parker stays late to bring us their story.

Music Button: Red Norvo Orchestra, "Liza," from the CD Live from the Blue Gardens, MusicMasters

Bears Widen Their Division Lead

Sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout breaks down last night’s Bears win.

Music Button: Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra, "Westenders," from the CD Moods and Grooves, Ubiquity records

Eight Forty-Eight—December 16, 2005

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The Magnet School Maze, Part 1
Catrin Einhorn—Chicago Public Radio Correspondent

We visit a frazzled Chicago mother as she tries to fill out the paperwork necessary to apply for magnet school admission for her three children.

Link
Chicago Public Schools

The Magnet School Maze, Part 2

Education contributor Alexander Russo discusses the politics and process of getting into the Chicago Public School system's magnet schools.

Music Button: Mark Farina & Kaskade, "To Do," Sounds of OM, OM Records

Are You Ready for Some Flag Football?
Debra Mudd—Copywriter in Chicago

Writer Debra Mudd reflects on her newfound love of football.

Remembering Legendary Art Curator Katherine Kuh

Art historian Avis Berman talks with Chicago Public Radio's arts, architecture, and culture editor Edward Lifson about the life and legacy of museum curator and art enthusiast Katherine Kuh.

Berman's upcoming book about Katharine Kuh is My Love Affair with Modern Art: Behind the Scenes with a Legendary Curator (Arcade Publishing, 2006).

Music Button: Martha Argerich, Schumann's Fantasiestucke, Op. 12, Live from the Concertgebouw 1978–1979, EMI Classics

Dueling Critics: A Marvelous Party

Theater contributor Jonathan Abarbanel and guest critic Nina Metz take on A Marvelous Party: The Noël Coward Celebration. They also offer their picks for the week.

Nina Metz is a theater critic for Newcity Chicago and also reviews theater for the Chicago Tribune.

A Marvelous Party: The Noël Coward Celebration
Through January 8
Northlight Theatre
Skokie, Illinois

Oliver!
Through February 12
Marriott Theatre
Lincolnshire, Illinois

Mabou Mines Dollhouse
Closed December 18
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Music Button: James Brown, "The Chase," Soul Pride—The Instrumentals, Polydor Records

Deaf Slang

Contributor Vanessa Bush reports on the differences among various forms of deaf language.

The Holiness of the Holidays

Writer Nathan Bierma explains why “Happy Holiday” greetings aren't all that secular.

Bierma writes the weekly “On Language” column for the Chicago Tribune and is author of Bringing Heaven Down to Earth (P&R Publishing, 2005).

Christmas and New Year's Bells

We bring you the sounds of the Chicago Chamber Choir.

Time to Pick a Tree
Nick Balouris—Tree Sales at Pete's Tree Lot

For some, selecting a good Christmas tree begins in August. Eight Forty-Eight's Gianofer Fields brings us this report from Pete's Tree Lot, located at 95th and Stony Island in Chicago.

Eight Forty-Eight—December 15, 2005

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Illinois Supreme Court Reverses $10.1 Billion Verdict against Philip Morris

Business contributor David Greising explains the economic significance of the Philip Morris ruling.

Related Link
Illinois Supreme Court

More on the Philip Morris Verdict

We talk with Harold Krent, dean and professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law, about the legal significance of the Philip Morris case.

Music Button: Fenominon, “Pacific Memories,” from the CD OM Lounge Five, OM Records

Al Gini's Holiday Book Bag

Our resident philosopher shares his picks for holiday reading and gifting.

• The March by E.L. Doctorow (Random House, 2005)
• Shiloh by Shelby Foote (Vintage, 1952)
• Hitler's Peace by Philip Kerr (Putnam, 2005)
• Ordinary Heroes by Scott Turow (Farrar, 2005)
• Lizzie's War by Tim Farrington (Harper, 2005)
• The Distance between Us by Masha Hamilton (Unbridled Books, 2004)
• The Closers by Michael Connelly (Little, Brown, 2005)
• Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly (Little, Brown, 2005)
• The Position by Meg Wolitzer (Scribner, 2005)
• A Changed Man by Francine Prose (Harper Collins, 2005)
• Incendiary by Chris Cleave (Knopf, 2005)

Your Letters

We share your comments about Eight Forty-Eight. If you have something you'd like to tell us, send an e-mail to 848@ChicagoPublicRadio.org.

Santa Rides the CTA!

The sounds of the CTA Holiday Train on the Green Line.

The Holiday Train runs on the Brown and Orange Lines this weekend. Click here for the schedule and more information.

The One and Only Music Box Theatre Organist

Independent producer Jonathan Menjivar talks with Mark Noller, the Music Box Theatre's sole in-house organist.

Noller will perform this weekend and next at the 22nd Annual Music Box Christmas Show.

The Accordion Lady
Anne Romagnoli and Her Grandson John—Owners of the Italo-American Accordion Company

At the age of four, Anne Romagnoli began a relationship with the accordion that has lasted a lifetime. Here's her story.

Miller on Film

Film contributor Jonathan Miller talks with Steve Edwards about Innocence and Ellie Parker, which depicts the struggle of an unknown actress in Hollywood.

Innocence—Directed by Lucile Hadzihalilovic
Opens Friday, December 16
Music Box Theatre

Ellie Parker—Directed by Scott Coffey
Opens Friday, December 16
Landmark's Century Centre Cinema

Eight Forty-Eight—December 14, 2005

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Iraqi Expats Vote in Skokie

Thousands of Iraqi expatriates from around the Midwest are traveling to north suburban Skokie to cast ballots in their homeland’s elections. Chicago Public Radio’s Catrin Einhorn brings us this report.

Music Button: Thievery Corporation, "3 Play It Cool," The Outernational Sound, ESL Records

What’s Your Favorite Junk Food?

We walk Navy Pier to learn what kinds of junk food Chicagoans put in their bellies.

Bye-bye, Junk Food

The chair of the Illinois State Board of Education, Jesse Ruiz, and the medical director of the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children, Dr. Katherine Kaufer-Christoffel, join us to discuss the ISBE's proposal to eliminate junk food from schools.

Music Button: The Boardwalkers, "Bonzai Pipeline," Shots in the Dark, Del Fi Records

Kidney Disease—A Silent Killer

Chicago's city council is urging residents to get screened for kidney disease. Medical contributor Dr. Quentin Young tells us why it's important.

Related Link
KidneyMobile

Music Button: Dave Douglas, "Just Another Murder," Keystone, Greenleaf Music

Civil Rights in Chicago—One Man’s Journey

Activist, historian, and educator Timuel Black reflects on a new exhibit about his life. Timuel D. Black, Jr.: Seven Decades in the Struggle for Human Rights continues through July 31, 2006, at Chicago's Woodson Regional Library.

Three to See

Chicago Public Radio's arts, architecture, and culture editor Edward Lifson tells us about three not-to-be-missed cultural events happening this week.

Reaching the Wrong Number
Dan Collison—Executive Director of Long Haul Productions

Acclaimed independent producer Dan Collison shares the errant calls his voice mail has collected over the years.

The Drunken Dial Hotline
Scotty Iseri and Tim the Roadie—Creators of The Big Rock Show and the Drunken Dial Competition

Chicago artist Scotty Iseri intercepts drunk-dialing calls on a new hotline.

E-mail DrunkDial@ScottyIseri.com to receive the secret Drunken Dial Competition hotline number. The contest ends on New Year's Day. Every Friday night in January, Scotty Iseri and Tim the Roadie will perform The Big Rock Show at Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret in Chicago.

Unplugging the Phone

Writer and contributor Amy Krouse Rosenthal explains how she's battling to remain sane with three popular, school-age children who are always on the phone.

Related Audio:

February 23, 2005: Amy hosts another edition of our show within a show, “Writers' Block Party.” Listen.

January 31, 2005: Amy talks about her book, Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life. Listen.

Eight Forty-Eight—December 13, 2005

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Lawmakers Weigh in on the Great Lakes
Rahm Emanuel—U.S. Representative from Illinois's Fifth Congressional District

We talk with Illinois Democratic Congressman Rahm Emanuel about the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy.

How Do We Know When Beaches Should Be Closed?

The Great Lakes Radio Consortium's Shawn Allee reports on new techniques for testing beaches to see if they should be closed.

The Evolution of Great Lakes Policy
Lee Botts—Founder of the Lake Michigan Federation

Author and environmental activist Lee Botts joins us to discuss the history of the international agreements that set Great Lakes policy. 

Book Details:
Evolution of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (Michigan State University Press, 2005)

Music Button: Japancakes, "Vanishing Point," The Sleepy Strange, Kindercore Records

High Levels of Mercury in Fish
Michael Hawthorne—Chicago Tribune Environment Reporter

The Chicago Tribune's Michael Hawthorne talks with us about the high levels of toxic mercury in seafood.  Hawthorne is coauthor of the Trib's three-part investigative series “The Mercury Menace.”

Music Button: The Mercury Program, "The Secret of Quiet," All the Suits Began to Fall Off, Tigerstyle Records

How Many Days Has the U.S. Been at War in Iraq?

On the 1000th day of the U.S. occupation of Iraq, we ask people on the street if they can guess how long we've been at war.

	(l to r) Host Steve Edwards, Ned Ricks, and producer Gianofer Fields.

Author Ned Ricks shares his stories of war and the lasting effect it has had on his life.

Book Details:
Revelation: A Novel of the Vietnam War (iUniverse, Incorporated , 2005)

Transcending Aggression

We bring you the sounds of “Horobi No Nakakara: from the midst of destruction.” It's being performed tonight at the Eighth Annual Concert for Peace: Transcending Aggression, part of the Fulcrum Point New Music Project.

Luis Gutierrez Announces Eighth Run for Congress

Chicago Public Radio's Ben Calhoun reports on Illinois Democratic Congressman Luis Gutierrez's announcement that he will seek an eighth term in Washington—and his supporters' calls for a Chicago mayoral run in 2007.

Holiday Traditions—Musician Carlos Flores

Our occasional series looking at the many ways Chicagoans celebrate the season continues. This time the spotlight is on a Puerto Rican custom, as explained by musician Carlos Flores.

Eight Forty-Eight—December 12, 2005

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Midway Crash Update

Chicago Tribune transportation reporter Jon Hilkevitch joins us to discuss the latest developments in the investigation into last week's accident at Midway Airport.

Music Button: Radian, "Transistor," Juxtaposition, Thrill Jockey Records

Monday Morning Business Update

We talk with business contributor David Greising about the local housing market.

Music Button: Grand Pianoramax, "Starlite," The Obliqsound Selection Vol. 2, Obliqsound

Celebrating the Strength of Mexico 's Patron Saint

Award-winning writer and Eight Forty-Eight contributor Ana Castillo describes the feminine strength of La Virgen de Guadalupe on her feast day.

Parish Ministry in a Hispanic Community
Fr. Chuck Dahm—Head Pastor of St. Pius V Church in Chicago and Author of Parish Ministry in a Hispanic Community (Paulist Press, 2004)

Contributor Ray Salazar speaks with Father Chuck Dahm about working with the families of Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.

Music Button: Pharoah Sanders, "Astral Traveling," Impulsive!—Revolutionary Jazz Reworked, Impulse Records

Three Incestuous Sisters
Audrey Niffenegger—Author and Professor at Columbia College's Center for Book and Paper Arts

Acclaimed Chicago author Audrey Niffenegger talks with Steve Edwards about her new book, Three Incestuous Sisters (Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2005).

Music Button: Couch, "12 Sind Nur 4," Profane, Matador Records

Bears' Eight-Game Winning Streak Broken
Cheryl Raye-Stout—Sports Contributor

With their hot streak snapped and key defensive players hurt, can the Bears regain the momentum needed to win the division championship?

Eight Forty-Eight—December 9, 2005

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Plane Crashes at Midway Airport

Chicago Public Radio's Sonari Glinton reports from the scene.

Midway Crash Analysis
David Young—Author of Chicago Aviation: An Illustrated History (Northern Illinois University Press, 2003)

Chicago transit expert David Young discusses possible causes and potential implications of last night' s accident.

Music Button: The Album Leaf, "In Between Lines," One Day I’ll Be on Time, Tiger Style Records

New Views of the Universe
Lisa Randall—Professor of Physics at Harvard University and author of Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions (Ecco, 2005)

Physicists are convening in Chicago this weekend to discuss the newest discoveries about the universe. Contributor Aaron Freeman talks with physicist Lisa Randall about the weakness of gravity and the possibility of extra dimensions.

Music Buttons: Stereophonic Space Sounds Unlimited, "Robot a Go Go," The Fluid Soundbox, Mai Tai

Mandrill, "Fat City Strut," Pulp Fusion—Return to the Tough Side, Harmless Records

Pimps Parties and Players Balls

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell explains what's wrong with players having a party.

Joy, Go On

Music from the video and sound installation Joy, Go On. It's part of Tropicália: A Revolution in Brazilian Culture, on exhibit through January 8 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

The Hermit in New York: The Life of Thomas Merton

Playwright Teresa Weed offers insight into American monk and author Thomas Merton. He's the subject of her new play, The Hermit in New York. A production by the Still Point Theatre Collective runs through December 18 at Chicago's Prop Thtr.

Music Button: Grey Area, "Long Distance," And Then the Clouds, Waveform Records 

Dueling Critics Take on Holiday Shows

Theater critics Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel duke it out over Incurable Theater's production of The Nutcracker and the King of Mice at the Chicago Cultural Center. They also share their picks for other holiday favorites .

Holiday Shows Mentioned:

Bark!
A Christmas Carol Staged Reading
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
The Christmas Schooner
Blue Nativity (Adobe Acrobat PDF Format)
Jack and the Wild Goose Chase

Eight Forty-Eight—December 8, 2005

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George Ryan Trial Update

Chicago Public Radio's Diantha Parker reports on the latest developments in former Illinois governor George Ryan's corruption trial.

Music Button: J Boogie’s Dubtronic Science, “Rosada Flor,” Omlounge 4 (Om Records)

Studio 312: Judy Belushi Pisano

Judy Belushi Pisano, who was married to the late actor and comedian John Belushi, visits “Studio 312,” our show within a show hosted by contributor Jimmy Carrane. Pisano recently coauthored Belushi (Rugged Land, 2005), a collection of photographs and recollections by Belushi’s friends.

Music Button: Bosco & Jorge, “Kacello,” Ally in the Sky (Sixgunlover Records)

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

It’s been the coldest first week of December in more than six decades. We speak with local residents to find out how they’re dealing with the frigid temperatures.

Meeting Gabriel on the Street

Chicago writer Mike Houlihan shares his thoughts on an encounter with one of the city’s homeless.

Harmony, Hope and Healing

Religion contributor Judy Valente visits a choir that inspires.

Upcoming Appearances:

Sunday, December 11, 2005
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
Chicago

Related Link
Harmony, Hope and Healing Choir

Music Button: The Choir of Hope, “Lala Mto To/Little Angels,” Harmony, Hope and Healing

Here Are the Voices

Folk musician Anna Stange talks with us about Here Are the Voices, a tribute to Chicago artist and activist Carlos Cortez.

Exhibit Information:

Through Friday, December 9
Noon—5 pm Daily
ACME Art Works
1741 North Western Avenue
Chicago

Music Button: NYC Ballet Orchestra, Tchaikovsky’s “Valse:  Moderato,” A Balanchine Album (Nonesuch)

Chicago's Sugar Plum Fairy

Legendary ballet mistress Maria Tallchief sits down with Steve Edwards about her career in dance and her newest work as artistic advisor to the Chicago Festival Ballet's Nutcracker.

Related Link
Chicago Festival Ballet Performance Schedule

Eight Forty-Eight—December 7, 2005

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Smoking Ban Huffing and Puffing

The Chicago City Council is set to vote today on a proposed smoking ban. We get the latest from CBS Channel 2 political editor Michael Flannery.

What Do Chicagoans Think about the Smoking Ban?

Patrons at Chicago’s Rock Bottom Brewery tell us how they feel about the proposed smoking ban.

City of Smokers

Chicago writer and Eight Forty-Eight contributor Simon Smith reflects on the idea of a smoke-free Windy City.

Some of Simon's Other Essays on Smoking
	Smoking Struggles July 12, 2005
	A Smokin' New Year's Resolution December 22, 2004
	The Endangered Smoker July 23, 2004

GOP Gubernatorial Primary Changes

Chicago Public Radio’s Ben Calhoun talks with Steve Edwards about state senator Steve Rauschenberger’s decision to quit his run for Illinois governor and join Ronald Gidwitz’s campaign.

Music Button: The Green Future, “Honey Rhythm and Butter,” Easy Tempo

In Search of the Perfect Donut

Eight Forty-Eight food contributor Steve Dolinsky and self-professed donut lover Steve Edwards embark on quest for the perfect donut.

Donut Shops Mentioned:

Amy Joy II Best in Town Donuts
5205 North Nagle Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

Dat Donuts
8249 South Cottage Grove Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

Old Fashioned Donuts
11248 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

In Search of the Perfect Slice
Jeff Ruby—Coauthor of Everybody Loves Pizza (Emmis Books, 2005)

Chicago magazine senior editor Jeff Ruby shares his thoughts on the perfect slice of pizza.

Book Signing and Pizza Party:

Saturday, December 10 @ 3 pm
Sur La Table Restaurant
Chicago

Music Button: Chin Up Chin Up, “Collide the Tide,” Chin Up Chin Up

Three to See

Chicago Public Radio's arts, architecture, and culture editor Edward Lifson fills us in on this weekend’s not-to-be-missed arts and culture events.

Event Information:

Chin Up Chin Up
Saturday, December 10 @ 9 pm
The Metro
3730 North Clark Street
Chicago

From Nothing
Through December 23
Redmoon Theater
Redmoon Central
1463 West Hubbard Street
Chicago

Black Nativity
Through December 31
Goodman Theatre
170 North Dearborn Street
Chicago

Music Button: DJ Mark Farina, “It’s a Love Thing,” Mushroom Jazz 5

Christian Peacemakers Held Hostage in Iraq
Anita David—Member, Christian Peacemakers Teams

Eight Forty-Eight contributor Anita David speaks to us from Iraq, where she and her colleagues await the release of a group being held hostage.

Steppenwolf Traffic Jam
Tim Evans—Producer at Steppenwolf Theatre Company

We speak with producer Tim Evans about Traffic Jam, a celebration in honor of the 10th anniversary of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Traffic series. This one-night-only presentation brings together artists of all disciplines on the Steppenwolf stage.

Eight Forty-Eight—December 6, 2005

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Shifting Gears
Michele Morano—Assistant Professor of English, DePaul University; Writer

Michele Morano describes her difficult decision to downshift by giving up her beloved automobile.

Cook County Politics Swing into Action
Sonari Glinton—Correspondent, Chicago Public Radio News

We report on Cook County political news, including Commissioner Forrest Claypool's announcement of his candidacy for county president.

Blagojevich’s Plan for Reform—What Went Wrong?
Tony Sarabia—Correspondent, Chicago Public Radio News

Why might Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich have a hard time convincing voters he’s kept his pledge of “no more business as usual” in Springfield?

Music Button: The Aqua Velvets, “Surf Nouveau,” Nomad (Milan Records, 1996)

Chicago Noir
Achy Obejas—Writer
Kevin Guilfoile—Writer

Mayor Daley would like you to think Chicago is a safe and friendly Midwestern metropolis, but the writers of this new short story collection know better. Two local authors take us to the seedy alleys and crime-ridden neighborhoods of Chicago Noir (Akashic Books, 2005).

Holiday Traditions: The Fish Pond
Bill Sebring—Steve Edwards Grandfather

Eight Forty-Eight host Steve Edwards recalls his family's seasonal tradition of “The Fish Pond.”

Holiday Traditions: Catrin’s Christmas in Wales
Catrin Einhorn—Correspondent, Chicago Public Radio News

Chicago Public Radio’s Catrin Einhorn shares her personal version of a Christmas in Wales.

A Child's Christmas in Wales
Nick Rudall—Professor of Classical Languages and Literature, University of Chicago

Welsh native Nick Rudall reads from the Dylan Thomas classic story “A Child's Christmas in Wales.”

Eight Forty-Eight—December 5, 2005

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