Paper Machete WBEZ

Everything you wanted to know about Asian girls and were dumb enough to ask [Explicit]

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:06:25 +0000

Spoken-word artist Carly Oishi breaks down the worst stereotypes of Asian women. This episode features live music by The Noise FM and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: A still shot from Colorlines’ ‘What Kind of Asian Are You?’ parody video.

Contacting the walking dead [Explicit]

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 20:42:34 +0000

In this darker than usual (but still profoundly funny) episode of The Paper Machete, performer Mary Fons calls out psychic Theresa Caputo, better known as TLC’s “Long Island Medium.” This week’s episode features live music by Chance Bone and additional music by Mogwai. Photo: Theresa Caputo (AP)

Illinois up in smoke?

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 30 May 2013 19:38:09 +0000

Medical marijuana in Illinois is now one governor's signature away. Second City comic Racheal Mason considers the history of the contentious green plant. This week’s episode features live music by Mutts, and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: (AP/Ted S. Warren)

The ABCs of the IRS

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:40:03 +0000

The Internal Revenue Service has been embroiled in scandal these last few weeks, and stands accused of gumming up the works for conservative groups applying for tax exempt status. In light of the scandal, Moth Grand Slam winner Stephanie Douglass breaks down the nitty gritty of 501(c)(4) organizations -- and explains why they're so treacherous. Live music by Bad Bad Meow with additional music by James Coates and the Hangers. Photo: It’s all about the Benjamins. [Flickr/401(K)2013)]

Other classics get Gatsby treatment

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:53:25 +0000

Inspired by director Baz Lurhmann's overwrought film version of “The Great Gatsby,” Paper Machete staff writers Tim Sniffen and Brendan Dowling imagine other great works of literature similarly adapted for the big screen. This episode features live music by Bailiff and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: Leonardo DiCaprio and Carrie Mulligan star in Baz Lurhmann’s “The Great Gatsby.” (Warner Brothers)

Urine trouble with Mayor Emanuel

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:29:22 +0000

Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel is cracking down on crimes that "ruin the social fabric," levying heavier penalties on crimes like public urination and, according to stand-up Adam Burke, "giving new meaning to 'revenue stream.'" This week’s episode features live music from California Wives and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: Rahm Emanuel (AP/Jacquelyn Martin)

Dubya’s library: ‘Mission accomplished’ [Explicit]

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:22:04 +0000

Comedian Kevin Sciretta plays Daniel Mercy Hearst Crenshaw III, the fictitious head librarian of the new George W. Bush Presidential Library. He’s keeper of the flame -- and avoider of the blame. Chad the Bird guest hosts this episode of the Paper Machete, which features live music by My My My and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: (Flickr/Matt Carman)

Don’t wear a bra, dude scientist tells ladies

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:31:31 +0000

Making her Paper Machete debut, blogger Carly Oishi has this piece about a new French study that advises women of all ages and sizes to go bra-less. This episode features live music by Diana and the Dishes and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: (Flickr/Phlora)

Egyptian president’s cousin’s drunk tell-all

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:49:22 +0000

Basseem Youssef is sort of the Jon Stewart of Egypt: The 39-year-old funnyman hosts the satirical TV news show “El Bernameg,” or “The Program,” which often takes digs at the country’s political status quo. But the consequences for Youssef in post-Arab-Spring, post-Muslim-Brotherhood Egypt are much greater than those facing the Comedy Central host: Earlier this month Youssef was arrested for allegedly insulting Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi, although he was later cleared of charges. In fine Paper Machete comedic tradition, Egyptian-born, Colorado-raised standup Christine Tawik takes on the fictional persona of Morsi’s first cousin, Zayna, to talk about Youssef – and to reveal some very surprising things about the country’s leader. This episode features live music by Archie Powell and the Exports and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: Youssef from his appearance on The Daily Show. (Twitter)

Rocket scientist ‘stroganoffed’ in sexist obit

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:48:14 +0000

In the 1940s Yvonne Brill was, quite possibly, the only woman working in rocket science, and in the ‘60s she invented the propulsion system that now keeps satellites in orbit. But for all of Brill’s accomplishments, when “New York Times” reporter Doug Martin wrote the now-deceased inventor’s obituary, he led with an account of her beef stroganoff and her skills as a mother. Here, veteran storyteller Megan Stielstra explains why the Times' take on Brill caused her and so many others to facepalm last week. Photo: President Obama awards rocket scientist Yvonne Brill with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2011. The president made no comments on Brill's cooking. (AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Breaking the camouflage ceiling

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:47:52 +0000

Paper Machete’s avian puppet mascot Chad the Bird guest hosts this week’s show. Our Man in Chicago Scott Smith has the scoop on Julia Pierson, the first woman to ever lead the Secret Service, and what it means for female advancement in other male dominated fields. “You’re probably tough enough to be president if you’re tough enough to take a bullet for one,” he says. This episode features live music by the Jordan Years and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: New U.S. Secret Service Director Julia Pierson. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

The rise and fall of human billboard Hostgator Dotcom

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:24:35 +0000

Paper Machete contributor Emerson Dameron brings us this strange tale of human billboard – and Internet narcissist – Hostgator Dotcom. This episode features live music by the Lucky Shiners and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: Hostgator Dotcom (Facebook)

The healing power of … fecal transplants [Explicit]

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:50:40 +0000

Paper Machete staff writer Amelia Scott has this stranger-than-fiction account of a new medical procedure that just might save your life. This episode features live music by the Dirty Pigeons and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: (Flickr/Tataquax)

You guys, Justin Bieber just had the worst birthday ever [Explicit]

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:37:05 +0000

Life’s so hard when you’re a teenage millionaire. Take teen dream Justin Bieber, for example, and the events that played out on his recent 19th birthday. Humorist Samantha Irby has the story. This week’s episode also features a live solo cabaret performance by Jayson Brooks, front man of JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo by AP

So you’ve decided to resign from the Papacy

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:12:39 +0000

Benedict XVI served his last Mass as Pope last week, and now enters into unchartered territory as the first retired Pope in nearly 600 years. Here, performer Piero Procaccini offers up some practical tips for surviving Papal retirement. This episode features live music by Bailey Dee and the Late Night Bait, and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: (Flickr/Mike Licht)

Mississippi unchained: Magnolia State ratifies 13th Amendment

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:55:36 +0000

In other news not ripped from The Onion, the state of Mississippi finally ratified the 13th Amendment in February -- 148 years *after* the end of slavery. Comedian Clark Jones makes his Paper Machete debut with this take on what the late ratification means for America’s black folks. This episode features live music by the Bama Lamas and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: Clark Jones (Courtesy of the artist)

Bad to the bones: Richard III exhumed from parking lot

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:12:05 +0000

History buffs, rejoice! British scholars confirmed this month that the crooked skeleton dug up from underneath an English parking lot indeed belonged to the last of the country’s Medieval kings, made famous – and demonized -- by no less than the likes of Shakespeare. Brad Einstein described the public’s reaction to the news this way: “All throughout the world, old, dusty panties are moistening, and craggy erections are reaching towards the heavens.” The “Comedy Sports” comic explains what else the news means for us here. This episode features live music by Blane Fonda with additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: The skull of Richard III. (AP Photo/ University of Leicester)

Internet cats take over board games, all art ever

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:18:06 +0000

Hasbro, the makers of Monopoly, recently held a contest to choose the latest player piece for its iconic board game. When the numbers were tallied, it was out with the iron, and in with. . . the cat. But Paper Machete co-found Ali Klingler wasn’t surprised by this turn of events. “If the Internet has a mascot, it’s the cat,” she says. “The Internet cat’s claws have sunk permanently in the leather sofa of modern cultural discourse.” Keep your smart phones handy, as Klinger explains why cats have and will continue to dominate pop culture. This episode features live music by the Handcuffs and addition music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo: Maru, the Kurosawa of Internet cats. (Flickr/Shelby087)

(Not so) helpful tips for applying for citizenship

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:31:20 +0000

There are millions of people in America’s immigration pipeline, all vying for citizenship and a chance at the American Dream. And can you blame them? “If there’s one thing this country excels at selling itself,” says Irishman and American wannabe Adam Burke. “You’ve created the world’s greatest OK Cupid profile.” Here, Burke explains the allure of America and offers some tips for his fellow applicants. This episode features live music by The Lawrence Peters Outfit. Photo: (Flickr/Rakkhi Samarasekera)

The Middle Ages: Even more violent than now

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:34:34 +0000

The tragic massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School -- and this year’s other mass shootings -- have reignited the debate over gun control. Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who herself survived a mass shooting, testified on Capitol Hill this week on behalf of stricter laws. NRA President Wayne LaPierre, meanwhile, suggested we should install armed guards in American schools. Here, Paper Machete’s house historian Dan Granata reacts to the debate about America’s culture of violence with a look at another particularly violent period of history: the Middle Ages. This episode features live music by Todd Hembrook and the Hemispheres with additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. Photo courtesy of Dan Granata

Comedian Kurt Braunohler live at the Paper Machete

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:07:47 +0000

Funny man Kurt Braunohler is best known as the former co-host (along with Kristen Schaal) of NYC’s “Hot Tub Variety Show” and the current host of IFC’s comedy game show “Bunk.” (Although “This American Life” fans may also know his story from episode 457: What I Did For Love.) Braunohler was in Chicago this past weekend for Tomorrow Never Knows and stopped by the Paper Machete for a Saturday afternoon set. Here he shares his love for Chicago, his incredible do-over greeting cards and advice on how to mess with strangers on Facebook. This episode of The Paper Machete podcast also features live music by The Congregation. (Photo: Flickr/Mandee Johnson)

From Sally Field to ‘Sparkle’: It’s Oscar time!

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:02:14 +0000

Are you ready for more awards season gab? It’s here whether you like it or not, along with who’s in, who’s out and who got “snubbed.” Depending on who you ask, that last list might start with Kathryn Bigelow and Ben Affleck, neither of whom were nominated for Best Director. But playwright Ike Holter says forget about them: It’s all about Whitney Houston, and her posthumous flop, “Sparkle.” This episode features live music by Bethany Thomas and Patrick Martin and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. (Photo: Alicia Gbur/AP/Sony Pictures)

Do we like Anne Hathaway?

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:57:31 +0000

This week the Academy gave Anne Hathaway its nod of approval with a nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in the movie version of “Les Miserables.” But Paper Machete staff writer Mel Evans still feels conflicted about this Hollywood starlet. This episode features live music by the Del Moroccos and additional music by Jeff Coates and the Hangers. For more information, visit www.thepapermachete.com.

What exactly is the Tribune paywall asking us to pay for?

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:16:51 +0000

When the Chicago Tribune's paywall went up in November, Bill Adee, Vice President for digital development and operations at the paper, said there was a great deal of Trib content "worth paying for," like "Chris Jones on theater, David Hall on sports, [and] Pulitzer Prize winner Mary Schmich." But writer Coya Paz says that, "With the exception of theatre reviews, I never read the Tribune when it was free, so it’s hard to imagine I’d pay for access now."

You don't deserve a MacArthur 'Genius' grant, so don't even go there

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:13:26 +0000

This year's crop of MacArthur geniuses — several of whom were from Chicago — inevitably inspired jealousy, frustration and anger amongst those in creative and science fields. But Write Club founder Ian Belknap doesn't want to hear about how you deserve it more than them, not even for a second.

Memo to Chicago men: Wear more suits

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:07:21 +0000

Writer Shannon Cason has an idea to spice up Chicago: Our men should wear more suits. "The style consciousness of a city doesn't lie in the will of that city’s women. The responsibility is in the hands of the city’s men," he says.

Was Jesus married?

podcasts@wbez.org (Chicago Public Media) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:01:29 +0000

This internet exploded in mid September when a scholar suggested Jesus might not the saint you thought he was -- after scrap of paper revealed he may have been married. But author James Finn Garner says look on the bright side: "The idea that Jesus was married does more than make the New Testament more sell-able as a Lifetime mini-series."