The shows just keeps getting better. The last few Eight Forty-Eight shows have showcased some great conversations. Did you hear the sick day convo yesterday? Or how about Julie Frost on Monday, singing her song “Masterpiece” live in studio?

But today is a new day! And a new show. Becky Vlamis directs Eight Forty-Eight and writes up the rundown every day. So here it is (in italics), with my snarky commentary (not in italics):

Total Recall! This story isn’t just about the Wisconsin recall effort, but about how the collective bargaining laws are about to affect police and fire in the land of cheese. We kinda saw that coming, didn’t we?

About a year ago, the nation was riveted on Madison, Wisconsin, where tens of thousands gathered to protest Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to dismantle most union rights for state and local workers. Niala Boodhoo, the Chicago reporter for Changing Gears, examines the effect the law has had on life in Wisconsin. And, listeners share their thoughts on the state of labor in the Midwest.

Who in their right mind would run a marathon? Oh, I guess the whole North Side of the city of Chicago. Tony told me in the prep meeting that per capita, Chicago’s North Side has the most runners in the world. 

In 2011, it took 31 days to fill the 45,000 available slots for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. This year, it took only six days, a record breaker. Trainer and longtime coach Bill Leach charts Chicago’s emergence as a city of joggers and sheds light on the human capacity to run.

The Bard hits the big screen…again. Instead of talking straight-up about the film Coriolanus, we want to talk about how Willie’s work translates from stage to screen. And will someone please tell me, is it Ralph or Ray-ph?

The new film Coriolanus by first-time director Ralph Fiennes puts a modern spin on William Shakespeare’s play. WBEZ’s Alison Cuddy explores film adaptations of The Bard’s body of work, and Kevin Gudahl of Chicago Shakespeare Theater explains what it really means to be a “Shakespearean actor.”

I admit, I have no idea what Neutral Milk Hotel is all about. But when I mentioned that Jim DeRogatis was reviewing last night’s show, my cube mates got really jumpy and excited. Like I do when our Board meets and leaves leftover sandwiches (yippee!)

WBEZ music blogger and Sound Opinions co-host Jim DeRogatis reviews the Chicago performances of Jeff Mangum, the former frontman of defunct but beloved indie act Neutral Milk Hotel. A known recluse, he hasn’t played in the city since 1998.