The iconic “corncob” towers were designed to be much more than places to live. On the 100th birthday of their visionary architect Bertrand Goldberg, we reflect on how well these buildings match their original intended use. 

Full story: http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/marina-city-ideals-concrete-108072

Image via Flickr by Clark Maxwell

How Marina City aligned with architect Bertrand Goldberg's intentions

Oddity is in the eye of the beholder at a 24-hour flea market. Chicago-based producers Tricia Bobeda and Logan Jaffe took a drive out to suburban Illinois to see what the market will bear. This piece was produced as part of The 24-Hour Radio Race from KCRW's Independent Producer Project.

ZAMBONI ROSRS: A sign of the times

Progressive Era activist Jane Addams was many things: a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a social reformer, a feminist. But what about ... a lesbian? And, just why should we know in the first place? Full story: http://goo.gl/8fL4pE

Could Jane Addams be considered a lesbian?

Chicago’s got a rough relationship with fire. 

Of course there was the great Chicago Fire of 1871 that destroyed thousands of buildings. And the Iroquois Theater fire of 1903 that killed hundreds of people. 

With each incident, the city changed building codes for the better. 

But Curious City keeps getting questions about a common wooden structure that looks like a fire hazard, but it’s meant for fire safety. 

Former Manhattanite and current University of Chicago student Lee Kuhn asked us about Chicago's ubiquitous wooden back porches: "It seems at first glance,  kind of illogical. If this is a fire escape - it’s made out of wood - what’s going on here?"

Curious City's own Jennifer Brandel reports.

Mixed with music by Podington Bear.

Read the full story: http://goo.gl/DF6sYw

Chicago's (Flammable) 'Fire Escapes'

Luvvie Ajayi’s blog, Awesomely Luvvie, is full of well-intentioned side-eye. So is her new book, I’m Judging You. She tells Nerdette about how growing up Nigerian made her a master of metaphors, why her purse is full of lollipops, and how being judgy can be a good thing. Then, we talk to Kimberly Hebert Gregory, who plays the principal in charge of Danny McBride and Walton Goggins on HBO’s Vice Principals.

Luvvie Ajayi Is Judging You, Kimberly Gregory

The Nerdette Podcast is co-hosted by Greta Johnsen and Tricia Bobeda. It's a safe space for nerding out about all the things you're watching, reading, listening to and encountering IRL.

Luvvie Ajayi Is Judging You, Kimberly Gregory

Nerdette Podcast

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