In the 20th century, millions of Black Americans who lived in southern states packed up and moved to northern cities — drawn by the promise of greater freedom and better jobs. Many headed to Chicago, and they brought a musical genre with deep African roots that reflected the realities of Black life: the blues. Reporter Arionne Nettles’ grandparents were among those who came to Chicago from the South, and when they established themselves in the city, they found success in the growing blues industry.
Byzantium And The Crusades - The Decline of the Crusaders Episode 6 “Saladin: The Early Years”
In this episode, we hear about the new young ruler of Egypt, Saladin, the man who would become the nemesis of the Crusaders. But his early years were fraught with difficulty and danger as the powerful ruler of the Zengid state in Syria, Nur ad-Din, sought to make him his vassal. Meanwhile, the Crusader King Amalric tried to ensure that Islam remained divided.
Please take a look at my website nickholmesauthor.com where you can download a free copy of The Byzantine World War, my book that describes the origins of the First Crusade.
Curious City - What Chicago’s Architectural Clues Reveal About How We Lived
If you’ve lived in or visited an older home or apartment building in Chicago, like question asker Biz Knapp, chances are it has an odd door or some other quirky feature that seems out of place today. But the evolution of apartment layouts signifies more than just a change in style or materials — They also provide architectural clues about the way Chicagoans once lived. We revisit those clues in this episode from 2017.
Then, we catch up with Evanston elementary drama teacher Michael Rodriguez. You might recognize his voice from an episode back in August, when he shared his excitement for the new school year. Now, about two months into his remote learning routine, we hear if things are going the way he expected.
Byzantium And The Crusades - The Decline of the Crusaders Episode 5 “The Second Attack on Egypt”
In this episode, we hear about the King of Jerusalem, Amalric's alliance with the Byzantines against Fatimid Egypt, where a young man called Saladin has seized power. A large Byzantine fleet and Crusader army converge on the Egyptian fortress of Damietta. But can they succeed in defeating Saladin, the man who will in time become the nemesis of the Crusaders?
Please take a look at my website nickholmesauthor.com where you can download a free copy of The Byzantine World War, my book that describes the origins of the First Crusade.
The Right to Drink - Why the )@#*$ can’t I ship booze to my door?
Almost every product under the sun can be delivered to your door in two days - or sometimes two hours. Except alcohol! Live in Vermont and want to order a 12-pack of IPAs from your favorite Michigan brewery? Sorry. Resident in NYC and want to order a bottle of that new small batch Kentucky bourbon you’ve been eyeing? Sure, COVID’s changed things, but how? And how long will it last? We’ll discuss when and where you can get booze at your doorstep.
Curious City - Chicago Residents Say Rats Are A Problem, So What Is The Solution?
We’re back on the rat beat! Through WBEZ’s Citizens’ Agenda project, Chicagoans expressed concerns about the large number of rats in their neighborhoods. So we walk you through what you, your neighbor and your elected officials can do to tackle Chicago’s rat problem. Later in the episode, hear from Chicago-based professional wrestler Colt Cabana, who wants to know your questions about the city’s wrestling history.
Curious City - Chicago Residents Say Rats Are A Problem, So What Is The Solution?
We’re back on the rat beat! Through WBEZ’s Citizens’ Agenda project, Chicagoans expressed concerns about the large number of rats in their neighborhoods. So we walk you through what you, your neighbor and your elected officials can do to tackle Chicago’s rat problem. Later in the episode, hear from Chicago-based professional wrestler Colt Cabana, who wants to know your questions about the city’s wrestling history.
Byzantium And The Crusades - The Decline of the Crusaders Episode 4 “The First Attack on Egypt”
In this and the next episode, we'll hear about the Crusader invasions of Egypt in the 1160s. These represent the Crusaders' last desperate attempts to prevent the creation of an Islamic superpower that would have the military might to defeat them. To the east of the Crusaders lay the powerful Zengid Sultanate, led by Nur ad-Din, which stretched from Aleppo down to the Red Sea. But Egypt was still an independent state ruled by the Fatimid Caliphate. To prevent it from being conquered by the Zengids, King Amalric of Jerusalem, launched an invasion in 1163. What followed would have more twists and turns than the best crime thriller.
Please take a look at my website nickholmesauthor.com where you can download a free copy of The Byzantine World War, my book that describes the origins of the First Crusade.
Back Bar - Coming Soon, From HRN: A Refreshing Cocktail of History and Humor
Back Bar is a rollicking deep dive into the events, phenomenon, relationships and human foibles that shaped the world’s most iconic drinks. Hosted by food and beverage writer Greg Benson and featuring guest appearances from industry luminaries like Derek Brown, Robert Simonson and Sother Teague, Back Bar’s vaudevillian approach to storytelling is a refreshing cocktail of history and humor.
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Curious City - What Was It Like To Dance At The Warehouse Club In Chicago?
House music got its start in the early 1980s — and it originated right here in Chicago. Many people say The Warehouse, a prominent house music club, is where the music genre got its name. Curious City talked with house heads (superfans) who danced at The Warehouse as teenagers to learn more about what the scene was like in Chicago.
And, stick around to hear from a mother who has transformed her Logan Square garage into a remote learning classroom, where preschool, kindergarten and second grade all happen under one roof.