Off-Ramp is starting a new series about the recession, and how--even though it's supposedly finished with--has affected us in Southern California. Work is still tough to find, and LA County's unemployment rate is currently hovering well over 10 percent these days. Off-Ramp's Kevin Ferguson talked with some people who have found ways to make the most out of their time in between jobs.

Dan Savage, the sex advice columnist and gay rights advocate, says the spate of suicides by bullied gay teens shook him up and made him realize he could reach out to isolated gay kids who are contemplating taking their own lives. The message of the viral video project is simple: "Life gets better after high school. Stick it out." Off-Ramp host John Rabe spoke with Savage, who's been doing non-stop interviews since unveiling the project three weeks ago. CLICK THROUGH to see Savage's video with his husband, and John's conversation with the LA Gay and Lesbian Center's Michael Ferrera, director of the LifeWorks youth development program, along with a link to the LA Gay and Lesbian Center.

Bob Kholos, who worked closely with the late Tom Bradley during and after his historic runs for Mayor of LA, was one of Off-Ramp's early important guests. He died October 12, 2010 at the age of 67. Here are the three segments we recorded with him, recounting Bradley's early days, the SLA shootout, and the political and racial landscape of Bradley's early years as Mayor.

As Paul "Rainbow Connection" Williams put it, "now there's a place for all our stuff!" The Grammy Museum cut the ribbon Tuesday night on its new Songwriters Hall of Fame Gallery honoring the likes of Hal David, Mac Davis, Lamont Dozier, Ashford and Simpson, and Paul Williams -- all of whom attended the inaugural and sang their most famous tunes at the event. Off-Ramp host John Rabe spoke with Dozier, Davis, and Williams before the concert. CLICK THROUGH for more information about the unique new exhibit, which includes letting YOU write a song with members of the Hall of Fame.

CyberFrequencies mourns the end of the MadMen season with blogger Natasha Vargas Cooper, who has a book out about the show’s props.

The Great Recession didn't kill LA's restaurant business, which was great news for Eat-LA, the comprehensive guidebook to food and drink in Los Angeles and Off-Ramp partner. John talks with the editorial staff in the first audio item. In the second, they tell stories about their favorite meals.

In Chef Mark Peel's continuing Off-Ramp series that explores the restaurant world, Mark explains the myriad reasons your meal isn't on the table. Mark is chef/owner of Campanile, Tar Pit, and The Point.