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'

Victoria Schwab is a twenty-something wizard of sci-fi and fantasy. As V.E. Schwab, she’s penned the Shades of Magic series. And as Victoria, she writes for a YA audience with sophistication and tenacity.

Her books are always fast-paced and fascinating -- they include the very best elements from the fantastical tradition, like coats of many colors, windows into alternate cities and pirates, and add fierce feminist protagonists.

Her latest book is called This Savage Song. On Nerdette, she tells hosts Greta Johnsen and Tricia Bobeda about her Master’s in Monsters and how monsters are a reflection of human fears. Victoria discusses what it’s like to be a young author with vulnerability, anxiety and hustle. She says This Savage Song is the most personal book she’s written because it poses questions about what we can change about ourselves and what we must accept.

Also in honor of the monster theme, we remember a Great Lady Nerd of History with a pop quiz. This lady nerd wrote a superb, monstrous short story, which is also your homework this week. Can you guess who it is?

Victoria Schwab On Monsters, Mayhem And Magic

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.

Victoria Schwab On Monsters, Mayhem And Magic

Nerdette Podcast

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